Dry Eye disease
Tears are made up of three layers:
Lipid (oil) layer: lubricates and prevents evaporation
Aqueous (water) layer: nourishes and protects the cornea
Mucin layer: adheres tears to the eye
Dry eye usually refers to a lack of moisture reaching the ocular surface or the tears that reach the ocular surface evaporate too quickly. 65% of patients with Dry Eye symptoms have a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction. These lubricating meibomian glands provide the protective oil layer that prevents tears from evaporating. With this condition, the glands can become obstructed and an inadequate amount of protective oil is present in your tears. Factors such as the environment, the aging process, hormonal changes, medications, inadequate blinking, poor diet and systemic diseases such as arthritis all play a significant role in reducing this moisture.
Common Dry Eye symptoms
dryness
discomfort and irritation
grittiness or feeling of a foreign body in the eye
burning or stinging sensation
tearing
redness
discharge
tiredness
itching
vision disturbance
sensitivity to light
Lifestyle Impacts from Dry Eye
difficulty performing visual tasks, such as reading, using a computer, driving and watching television
inability to wear contact lenses
constant use of eye drops
trouble being out in the sun
symptoms that worsen late in the day