It is said that the eyes are the mirror of the soul. They are important organs that help receive and send information to the brain. The brain further processes the visual data. Eyes are vulnerable to various infections. Dry eye is a common condition that can occur if there is no proper lubrication in our eyes. The advancement in technology also brings in with its many adverse effects. People use computers and mobile phones every day and this puts us at a higher risk. An average person spends about two to three hours on his mobile phone every day. People are also subjected to environment infected by smoke from industries, factories, and automobiles. Smoke will easily affect your eyes because it is a sensitive organ. The functioning of our eyes can also be affected if we consume alcohol and smoke regularly. This progressive condition can be treated and the pain can be reduced. If it is not properly treated, it can lead to blurry vision and other eye infections. This disease is more likely to affect women because of the aging process and hormonal changes after menopause. Women must take precautions to protect their vision during this time. Dry eyes are most likely to occur in adults and particularly among people aged above 50.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eye is a condition which causes inflammation or severe irritation to the eyes. It a condition that occurs when there is no proper lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Tears contain mucus, fatty oils, and water and the mixture essentially keeps our eyes free from any infection. When there is a lack of tears, eyes get dried. This causes prolonged irritation, red eyes or even blurred vision. Dry eyes can occur in uneasy environmental conditions.
Air-conditioned rooms, driving for long hours and using the computer can also strain the eye. Tears are needed to wash away microorganisms and other dust particles. This causes less damage to the cornea. Tears also contain certain antibodies which prevent the microorganisms to cause damage. The fatty oils help in spreading tears across the surface of the eye while the mucus covers the sclera. Imbalance occurs if there is any problem with the layers (mucus, oil, water). Sometimes when our eyes are exposed to winds, the rate of evaporation increases. Improper blinking can also contribute to increased tear evaporation. Excessive tears can also come as a result of dry eyes. This excessive tears which are also known as teary eyes can create an imbalance in the layers.
Aqueous deficiency dry eye occurs when glands don’t produce enough water. There are other medical terms that describe dry eyes which are Keratitis sicca, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Dysfunctional eye syndrome. Depending on the severity, treatments can be given. Reading for a long time can actually decrease the number of times a person blinks. This can also happen while traveling or using electronic gadgets for a long time. Wearing contact lenses can also be a problem.
Most of the individuals having dry eyes experience eye fatigue. This is accompanied by irritation and a burning sensation. This happens when there is no proper movement of the eyelid. A person can feel difficulty while sleeping. The eyelids may not properly open when you wake up. The irritation caused can make one sensitive to light. This photosensitivity will increase the pain and make one experience blurry vision. Sleep cycle of an individual can be affected in the long run. Cornea which is a transparent layer can also get affected by dry eyes.
