Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is an eye disease that is characterized by and caused by eye dryness, which can be because of either decreased tear production (aqueous tear deficiency or lacrimal hyposecretion) or increased tear film evaporation (evaporative dry eye).
Dry eye caused by insufficient tear production occurs when the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough tears to lubricate and cover the entirety of the conjunctiva and cornea. This condition often occurs in people who have no other adverse health conditions. Age and menopause may be factors as well.
Evaporative dry eye is caused by poor quality of tears. The water that evaporates from the tears leaves tears that are too salty in the eye. These tears, although there may be many, are not getting the job done.
Treatments
This can be treated a number of ways. For some people, a warm potato wrapped in a damp washcloth can be placed over the eyes for a few minutes, perhaps 3 times a day, unblocking the lacrimal ducts and allowing tears to flow normally again. A regimen of regular over-the-counter eye drops may be suitable for some patients, applied liberally throughout the day. Using a humidifier in one's house can help treat dry eye too.
Tear Plugs
Rather than adding tears, conserving what tears one has is another treatment. Silicone punctal plugs can be used to close the drain by which tears leave the eye. Closure of these channels can conserve tears and improve the effectiveness of artificial tears. Simply put, this procedure allows for more lubrication of the eye.
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