Medical Health Education on Eye Care Tips
TAKE CARE OF YOUR EYES……
The dry eye syndrome is a common condition, caused due to various lifestyle factors like air pollution, smoking, vehicular smoke, excessive use of gadgets like computers, iPods, mobiles, and the also use of air conditioners, heaters etc. Other factors like sedentary habits, excessive use of various cosmetics and chemicals can have an impact on the quality of our vision.
Hormonal changes are also a cause of the dry eye syndrome (DES); causing changes in tear production e.g. menopausal women are most often affected by dry eye. Older men are also affected by this problem. Nearly 50 percent of the population suffers from this problem. However, it is more prevalent among women and older individuals.
What is Dry eye syndrome?Sometimes people don't produce enough tears or the right quality of tears to keep their eyes healthy and moist.
This condition is known as dry eye. In a normal eye there is a tear film in front of the cornea that lubricates, nourishes, and protects the eye from dust and other irritants. Spread by blinking (about every six seconds), it keeps the surface of the eye optically clear and smooth, and also protects from infection.
This film has several layers of fluid viz. the lipid, or oil layer; the watery layer; and mucus layer and is not like ordinary water in its composition.
Symptoms:All three layers of tears in human eyes are very necessary for the proper lubrication. The Persons with dry eye syndrome have tears that are mostly water and evaporate quickly, providing little protection to the eye.
Dry eyes are dry, irritated and uncomfortable eyes. Sometimes excess production of water from the lachrymal gland in dry eyes results in watery eyes.
Other symptoms include eye strain, sensitivity to light, headache, blurred vision, pain and foreign body sensation, itching in the eyes, red or burning eyes. Even repeated splashing of water in the eyes does not give any relief, instead, it worsens the condition.
People prone to DES may also find their eyes feel more uncomfortable after reading or watching television at a stretch. Constant eye strain can result in headaches or neck-ache, which may be the leading symptom.
If not treated early the dry eyes can progress to ulcer formation and opacity of the cornea resulting in permanent loss of vision.
Health Tips to prevent dry eyes:
Avoid direct blowing of air in eyes from hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans.
Add moisture to the air e g a humidifier can add moisture to indoor air.
While swimming wear wraparound glasses or eyeglass shields or swim goggles.
Take frequent breaks while reading some document or working on your PC (Personal Computer). Blink your eyes frequently.
Be aware of your environment. Air at high altitudes, desert areas and in the airplanes can be really dry. Close eyes repeatedly to minimise evaporation.
Position the computer screen below eye level. This will slow the evaporation of tears between eye blinks.
Stop smoking and avoid vehicular and other smoke.
Always Wear the sunglasses when you are outside to reduce the harmful exposure of sun, wind and dust to your eyes.
Do not use any eye drops meant for the normal eyes.
Avoid long term contact lens wear. Avoid surgery that involves making incisions in or removing tissue from the cornea i.e. laser correction of myopia, if you have dry eye problem.
Treatment: Eye drops called artificial tears are used as substitute tears. If you need to use artificial tears more than every 2 hr, preservative-free brands may be better for you. These lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture. The use of cyclosporine drops, work by stimulating tear production. It treats the underlying inflammation that's causing the problem, but only 25 percent to 30 percent of patients are benefited and cyclosporine doesn't work in every patient.
Steroid eye drops may also be used occasionally. Surgical options include Lacrisert, a tiny insert filled with a lubricating ingredient (hydroxylpropyl cellulose) placed just inside the lower eyelid, where it constantly releases the lubrication.
Another option is to close outlet channels temporarily with plugs to conserve your own tears and make artificial tears last longer. One more option is to permanently seal the opening of tear ducts by using heat cautery. Supplementary measures may include drinking more water to improve general hydration of the body, treating any inflammation of the lids and the measures mentioned under prevention.
That’s it about this Medical education on Dry eye syndrome. Take care of your eyes by using these precaution and prevention. If you do not take it seriously then you will lose your vision….Have a healthy and bright life ahead….
Sources: News Paper and books.