Understanding The Tear Film & Dry Eye

The tear film consists of three layers on the outer surface of your eye and is largely responsible for everyday visual comfort. When the tear film is compromised, or destabilized, the eye surface becomes easily irritated and may become red, watery, scratchy feeling and generally uncomfortable. The top oily layer of the tear film is the protective coating on the eye surface that keeps the middle watery layer intact. When oil production is inhibited, the watery layer of the eye surface is left exposed. This is the root cause for the majority of those with Dry Eye.

Conditions such as smoke, wind, or dry climates have been known to increase Dry Eye symptoms. Air-conditioning and heaters can also contribute to eye discomfort.

40% of patients with Glaucoma also experience Dry Eye symptoms. Daily use of certain glaucoma medications might disrupt the tears worsening Dry Eye symptoms.

Following an eye surgery, the surface of the eye is often compromised and Dry Eye symptoms can occur.

Reading or watching TV for etended periods of time without taking breaks will deter a healthy blink rate increasing Dry Eye symptoms.

Your diet, exercising, smoking, and activities that cause eyestrain can contribute to Dry Eye symptoms.

Blinking activates the meibomian glands. A poor blink rate or incomplete blinking can cause Dry Eye symptoms.

The simple presence contact lenses on the eye disrupts the tears, and aggravates Dry Eye symptoms.

Treatment Options

Many treatments for Dry Eye symptoms and most prescription medications have proved effective to treat tear deficiency or to reduce inflammation for a certain segment of the Dry Eye population. It is best to determine the root cause of your Dry Eye with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper treatment that is best for you.

Is It Dry Eye or MGD?

Fortunately, there are some wonderful medications and treatments available for those suffering from Dry Eye.A majority of treatments focus on correcting tear deficiencies. However most case of Dry Eye are actually caused by a bigger issue rooted in the tiny glands of your eyelids, the Meibomian Glands. When these glands are blocked they cannot function properly and we refer to this as  MGD (Meibomian Gland Dysfunction) This is the leading cause of Dry Eye. Like most eye diseases, early detection is crucial as the condition is progressive and symptoms can get worse.  If left untreated, permanent damage could result.

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