DRY EYE SYNDROME
Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition of the eye in which the eyes do not produce enough tears and /or the tears produced by the eyes is of low quality.
HOW DO TEARS WORK?
When you blink, a tear film of tears spreads over the eyes. This keeps the eyes’ surface smooth and clear. The tear film is made up of three layers;
- An Oily Layer
- A Watery Layer
- A Mucus Layer
The oily layer is the outside of the tear film. It makes the tear surface smooth and keeps tears from drying up too quickly.
The watery layer is the middle of the tear film. It makes up most of what we see as tears. This layer cleans the eyes, washing away particles that do not belong in the eye.
The mucus layer is the inner layer of the tear film. This helps spread the watery layer over the eyes’ surface, keeping it moist. Without mucus, tears would not stick to the eyes.
SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYES
- Redness
- Stinging, scratching or burning sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Stringy mucus near the eye
- Blurry vision
PREVENTION
- Take breaks to rest your eyes when reading or using a computer screen.
- Make sure your computer screen is at eye level so you do not strain your eyes.
- Use a humidifier to stop the air getting dry.
- If you wear contact lenses, take them out and wear glasses to rest your eyes.
- Get plenty of sleep to rest your eyes.
- Do not smoke or drink too much alcohol.