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
Dear Editors,
I apologize for contacting you through your comments section but I couldn’t find another way of reaching you.
Is this anything you might be interested in? Tranquileyes is a new product that has been proven to help dry eye sufferers and in fact is now available at the Mayo Clinic in MN. Tranquileyes creator Suzanne Paulson is available for interviews and/or can provide a guest blog on dry eye symptoms, causes, and treatments.
Thank you!
Kathlene Carney
Are Your Eyes Thirsty?
For Millions, the Answer is Yes
Approximately 77 million Americans suffer from symptoms of dry eye and the number grows daily. For millions, dry eye is a chronic condition that can significantly impact the way they live and sleep. Many experience symptoms such as irritation, burning and itching, and don’t even realize the underlying cause is dry eye.
Causes of dry eye include contact lens use, computer use, allergies, medications, hormonal changes, medical conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome and most commonly, normal aging. Lasik surgery can also cause dry eye, in fact recent FDA hearings revealed this side effect may be much more prevalent than previously believed.
There’s no cure for dry eye, only treatments. In the past, the standard treatment methods were limited to artificial tears, ointments or surgery. But Tranquileyes Eye Hydrating Therapy is a new, proven method for naturally relieving symptoms of dry eyes, and is found in some of the most prestigious medical institutions in the country including the Mayo Clinic in MN.
Tranquileyes provides immediate and long lasting relief from dry, irritated eyes. Unlike other treatments, the tranquileyes mask naturally restores moisture by increasing humidity around the eye, which prevents the evaporation of natural tears. The increased humidity also improves overall eye health by thickening the lipid layer, thereby restoring your eyes’ defense against evaporation and leaving them feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Treating eye dryness is not only important for your comfort and vision, but also for your eyes’ health. Besides lubricating the eye, the tear film helps fight infection, provides nourishment, and creates a smooth surface on the cornea, keeping your vision clear. Left untreated, the cornea can become damaged, which can lead to pain, blurred vision, and even blindness.
You can learn more about dry eye here, http://www.eyeeco.com/index.php?file=about_dryeyes. Additional press materials are available to reviewers upon request.
Thank you,
Kathlene Carney for
EyeEco.com
ABOUT EYE ECO:
Eye Eco founder Suzanne Paulson first heard about severe dry eye and Sjögren’s Syndrome directly from individuals suffering from the disease. She was so moved by their stories that she had to do something to help. Using her background of fifteen years as a pioneer in the eye care industry, Suzanne developed the tranquileyes eye hydrating method – and thus, her company was born. Eye Eco is committed to giving back to the community and donates a percentage of net sales to organizations dedicated to finding a cure for Sjögren’s and other diseases known to cause chronic dry eye conditions.
Comment by kathlene carney — May 16, 2008 @ 10:47 am