As the body ages – especially beyond the middle years – most people experience changes in vision. A less expected change in the eye is in tear production. Tears are a vital part of eye health.
The Composition and Function of Tears
Tears are composed of oil, water, and mucus. The oily, fatty component of tears is produced by the meibomian glands along the edge of the eyelids. Each eye has about 100 meibomian glands. The lacrimal gland above the outer corner of the eye produces the watery part of tears. The conjunctiva is a thin protective cover over the white of the eye and the inner eyelid. It adds mucus to tears.
The three components must be balanced and produced in sufficient quantities in order to properly nourish and protect the eye. Dry eyes are most often the result of too little water production by the lacrimal glands. The medical term for this condition is keratoconjunctivitis sicca or simply dry eye syndrome.
Dry Eye Syndrome can Affect Eyesight
Although dry eye is most often seen in the elderly, it is common in post-menopausal women, post-surgical patients, and people who do not tolerate contact lenses well. Dry eye can be caused by or associated with a number of conditions such as Lasik surgery or eye injury, diseases like lupus, diabetes, and even vitamin A deficiency.
Typically the condition is simply a nuisance, and may result from temporary circumstances such as certain medications, dry air, or activities that require visual concentration such as computer use, reading, or long drives. Over-the-counter products may be all that is required for temporary relief of occasional dry eye.
The components of tears have specific functions. Water, for example, is primarily a cleansing agent. Low concentrations of oil in the tears will cause tears to evaporate too quickly and cause blurring. Low concentrations of mucus can also result in blurring due to dry spots on the cornea.
Chronic dry eye renders the eye more susceptible to infection, which can be serious if not treated. In severe cases scarring of the cornea may result.
How an Eye Doctor Diagnoses and Treats Dry Eye
Patients suspecting that they have dry eye will experience some degree of irritation such as burning and itching that bothers them for several hours to a major portion of the day. The condition may also cause sensitivity to light, eye fatigue, a discharge of mucus, or periods of watery eyes. There is generally no severe pain, but the chronic irritation can be very distracting.
An ophthalmologist will diagnose the condition by measuring the amount of tear production and the tear quality. He may also check to see if the eyes are closing completely when the patient blinks. The doctor will also want to know about medications or medical problems that can contribute to dry eye syndrome.
Treatment will depend on severity and might consist of regular use of one of the many over-the-counter eye drops available or prescription drops that enhance the production of tears. If the cause is due to medication or other medical problems those issues must be resolved, but for older patients some problems with dry eye are a normal expectation not related to factors other than aging.
Winter air – especially indoors – tends to be drier than air in warmer seasons. The dryness may contribute to temporary dry eye problems. A humidifier can be a helpful item to have on hand for winter-related dry eye.
Help for Dry Eye Syndrome may be Available at the Local Pharmacy
If any eye problem is complicated by swelling, pain, or a symptom that seems to indicate something more serious than dry eyes, a doctor's opinion might be the best idea. However, there are a variety of products that are effective for some people and might even be recommended by an eye doctor. None of the products are intended to be used to treat infections or serious eye problems. Some are intended to be used only by contact lens wearers.
The over-the-counter products are generally divided into solutions, gels, and ointments. Different people will experience different results but some studies report that gels are more effective at preventing evaporation of water in tears without interfering with vision. Ointments are more effective than gels, but can cause considerable blurring – consequently they are recommended for use at bedtime.
Dry eye syndrome is a common and usually harmless eye problem experienced more frequently as one ages. It results from a reduction in the quantity and/or quality of tears. Tears protect the eyes from infection and also help cleanse the eye. The condition is easily diagnosed by an eye doctor. Prolonged, severe cases of dry eye can lead to scarring of the cornea. Over-the-counter solutions, drops, and ointments can offer relief.
Source
- “Eye Problems and Diseases,” allaboutvision.com. Accessed October 9, 2011
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Anyone who has concerns about the health of their eyes should seek the advice of a doctor.
Harvey Craft - I am a retired educator with diverse experience. I read anything science, education, and history. I write to share what I learn.
