About Dry Eyes

Dry Eye Syndrome

To help keep your eyes comfortable and your vision optimal, a normal, thin film of tears coats your eyes. Three main layers make up this tear film:

• The innermost layer is the thinnest. It is a layer of mucin (or mucus). Thisvery thin layer of mucus is produced by the cells in the conjunctiva (theclear skin that lines the eye). The mucus helps the overlying waterylayer tospread evenly over the eye.
• The middle (or aqueous) layer is the largest and the thickest. This layer isessentially a very dilute saltwater solution. The lacrimal glands under theupper lids and the accessory tear glands produce this watery layer. This layer's function is to keep theeye moist and comfortable, as well as to help flush out any dust, debris, or foreign objects that may get into the eye.Defects of the aqueous layer are the most common cause of dry eyesyndrome, also referred to as keratoconjunctiviti s sicca (KCS).
• The most superficial layer is a very thin layer of lipids (fats or oils). These lipids are produced by the meibomian glands and theglands of Zeis (oil glands in the eyelids). The main function of this lipid layer is to help decrease evaporation of the watery layer

Prevention

DES cannot be prevented. If you develop DES, you can help decreaseits effects through some of the self-care suggestions listed above.

When to Seek Medical Care

If you routinely experience any of the following symptoms, you should probably see your ophthalmologist (a medical doctor who specializes in eye care and surgery):

• eye pain,
• excessive tearing,
• dry, gritty/scratchy, or filmy feeling in the eyes,
• burning or itching of the eyes,
• redness of the eyes,
• blurred vision,
• a sensation of having a foreign body in the eyes, or
• Light sensitivity.