When we blink, our eyelid makes the tears that we produce extend through the eye forming a barrier that prevents the moisture of our eyes to evaporate. The problem comes when we do not produce enough tears or when the protective lipid barrier is damaged.
The tear film has 3 layers:
Lipid layer: is the outermost layer and is composed of fat secreted by Meibomian glands. Its main function is to decrease the evaporation rate of the aqueous inner layer.
Aqueous layer: is composed of water and provides oxygen to the cornea.
Mucous layer: it contains mucin which is a kind of “mucus” produced by the conjunctival glands. This layer is sticky and that feature makes the tear may be longer in the eye.
The use of tablets and computers increases these symptoms. They dry their eyes, annoy because they appear redness, burning, feeling of grit. and makes us feel uncomfortable, so much that sometimes makes it difficult to continue working, especially in cases where computers are needed to do the task.
Causes
Is a disease – related pollution, overuse of sight, use contact lenses, stay in dry environments, and in many cases, is Cause of age. The bigger we get, the more our eyes dry up. And even more so in postmenopausal women. And finally, if we take medications such as antihistamines or beta-blockers we can also suffer dry eye.
Ocular dryness is often associated with a lack of tear production or poor quality production, i.e. with a little lipid layer.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
- Feeling of having grit inside the eye.
- Have the feeling of making a great effort by closing the eyelids.
- Vision fluctuations.
- Not being able to wear contact lenses because they bother.
- How to deal with it as fast and comfortable supplements are tears, i.e, with artificial tears (Systane, Hyabak, Otive, Liquifilm, Aquoral, Hylo-comod, Artific, Viscofresh, where the case Of slight forms of ocular dryness. In mild cases of eye dryness, anti-inflammatory drugs (usually 0.05% cyclosporin A) or local steroids may be used, and even drops that temporarily seal the area of the tear, which are silicones or collagen plugs. Both eye drops and ointments or gels may be employed.
When the disease becomes more severe, it is necessary to resort to other methods. There are ways to stimulate the production of tears, treatments that must be done in an ophthalmological clinic in order to try to decrease tear evaporation. Within the surgical treatments, I emphasize the lateral or medial tarsorrhaphy, because it is a simple technique that consists of the reduction of the palpebral opening and the occlusion of the lacrimal point that make our tears do not evaporate so easily. You can also perform an occlusion of the permanent punctual.
One tip if much use computers or tend to have dry eyes is to use artificial methods like spray like Optra, which is placed with eyes closed and can be used even with painted eyes or lenses on. This spray prevents the tear from evaporating from our eyes and protects the eye barrier. The effect lasts about 4 hours and the application can be repeated after this time.
Keep moist environment and blink often. Although it seems silly, opening and closing the eyes is the best help to lubricate the eyes with more frequency and quantity.
In case we have to use contact lenses we should do it only the time set by the brand and go alternating the lenses with the glasses often.
It is also convenient to drink a lot and stay in humid environments where you work, especially in the office and at home. If we have air conditioning or heating it is advisable to use humidifiers.
And finally remember that wearing sunglasses is paramount when we go outside. Also for dry eyes.