IF your eyes feel sore , itchy , dry , and hot , you should be wary . You can be exposed to dry eye syndrome . How did it happen ? How did I fix this ?
Dry eye is one of the eye disease that often affects women , especially after menopause . According to Dr. Tri Rahayu , SpM , from Jakarta Eye Center , Dry eye is a condition in which the lining of the eye can not coat the eye ball well . Tears necessary as a protection to prevent eye dryness eyeball . When the tears dry , eyeballs will dry .
There are three layers of tears . First , the oil layer or outer layer . The oil layer can be produced by small glands on the edge of the eyelid called the meibomian glands . Oil layer is useful to lubricate the eye surface and reduce evaporation of tears .
Second , a layer of water . This layer is the middle layer of what we call tears . This layer is produced by small glands scattered in the conjunctiva . Tears produced by the tear glands as well ( lacrimal gland ) . This layer serves to cleanse the eyes and remove foreign objects or irritants .
Third , the most in a layer consisting of mucus produced by other cells in the conjunctiva . This mucus layer allows tears to spread out flat on the surface of the eye and helps to keep the eyes moist . Without this layer , the tears will not stick to the eye .
Tears were composed of two kinds . Tears into lubricants and lubricating tears to the eyes is produced constantly throughout the day . Excessive tear production if the eye stimulated by a foreign object or if someone is emotion , such as crying .
Causes and Symptoms
In general , dry eye is common in older women . However , it is also possible if at any age , male or female , can be found dry eye .
When entering the phase of aging , our body produces less and less fat . This fat deficiency affects the tear film , especially the type of fat layer or outer layer of the tear film . Without this layer of fat , said Dr. Tri , the tear film evaporates much faster , leaving dry areas on the cornea .
In addition to the factors of aging , there are many factors that can affect the tear film , such as climate less friendly , air-conditioned room , cigarette smoke , and contact lenses . Contact lenses can absorb the tear film and cause protein deposits on the lens surface . " The higher the water content contact lenses , the higher levels of evaporation , " he said .
Dry eyes can also occur due to arthritis or pain mucus . Mouth may feel dry because saliva production is reduced . Therefore, swallowing and eating difficult. Chronic use of medications , such as thyroid medications , drug allergies , and vitamin A deficiency can also make people experience dry eye syndrome . " The activities are less likely to cause eye blinking , such as working at a computer , swimming , reading , watching TV , and driving for long periods can cause the eyes to become dry , " he added .
There are several symptoms that can be felt by people with dry eye , among others , the eyes are often itchy , gritty , hot , tired , sore , red , and feels like there is pressure eye . " If the situation continues , the more eyes feel uncomfortable and become very sensitive to light , " he explained .
Detection and Treatment
With the examination , the ophthalmologist can diagnose dry eye . Sometimes it takes a few checks to measure tear production . One is the examination of the sheet of paper filter installed in the lower eyelid to measure tear production under various conditions .
The basis of the treatment of dry eye is artificial tears administration . Artificial eye drops can be bought without a prescription and is used as an eye lubricant and replace lost fluids . This artificial tears should be used as often as possible , or until a few times an hour .
Another way to keep a steady eye was wet with tears savings generated naturally . Tears out of the eye through the tear ducts in the eyelids which are then entered into the nose . This channel can be closed by an ophthalmologist so that the tears do not come out and the eyes may be longer wet .
When every waking eyes feel dry , it can be overcome by administering ointment before bed . This ointment will make vision blurry for a while. People who suffer from dry eyes may only need artificial eye drops that can be bought without a prescription . Very dry eye can cause damage to the eye .
The relief of dry eye syndrome is that this disease does not cause irritation or absence of sharp vision . But in severe cases , dry eyes cause cloudiness in the cornea . If this happens , the vision impaired .
Sources : okezone.com