Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the state of the eye when its tear glands produce minimal or fewer tears. It is usually caused by a problem with the tear film that lubricates the eyes. This leads to drying out of eyes followed by inflammation.

Symptoms

• Itching
• Burning
• Irritation
• Redness
• Excessive producing of tears
• Blurred vision that can improves with series of blinking the eyes
• Discomfort after long periods of reading, or working on a computer

Causes

The most common cause of this condition is the aging process, older people majority are women, who tend to have drier skin than men. The oil deficiency of oil in the eyes also affects the tear film. Without much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates its moisture in rapid manner, leaving the areas on the cornea dry.

Other causes:

• High altitudes
  Air-conditioning
  Cigarette smoke
  Thyroid condition
  Vitamin A deficiency
  Parkinson’s disease
  Sjogren’s disease
  Hot, dry or windy climates
  Side effect to medication (such as antidepressants, and antihistamines)

• Some people also find their eyes become irritated when reading or working on a computer monitor.

• Use of contact lenses can also cause dryness due to absorbance of the tear film by the lens, this causing to form proteins on the lens surface.

• Women who are entering the menopausal ages can have frequent eye dryness due to hormonal changes

Treatment

Water:
Drink eight (8) or more glasses of water everyday this prevents dryness of the eyes

Artificial tears:
An eye drop, use as directed, it helps to maintain fluid in the eyes.

Bilberry Tea:
Help to facilitate delivery of essential oxygen and nutrients to the eye, drink 2 to 3 cups a day

Prevention

Eat healthy foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which include: walnuts, purslane, ground flax seeds, cod liver oil, cold-water fish that are typically low in mercury, such as wild salmon and sardines.

Avoid drinking coffee
Eat lots of green leafy vegetables
Avoid sugar and/or artificial sweeteners
Avoid air conditioning, smoke, and direct wind
Blink and rest your eyes at regular intervals
Use a humidifier in the winter if you live in an area that requires indoor heating