Dry Eye Disease, (Keratitis Sicca) A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

This book describes Dry Eye Disease (Keratitis Sicca), Diagnosis and Treatment and Related DiseasesDry eye disease occurs when there is a problem with the tearsThat normally keeps the eye moist and lubricating clear. Due to age something which we can not preventDry eye disease may present as blurring of visionThe eye is continuously bathed by a layer of tearThis keeps the eye wet and the vision clearThe tears protect the eye against infectionAnd helps in healing of wounds inflammation.
Dry eye disease occurs when the eye does not produce tears properlyOr when the eye tears evaporate too quicklyAnd this results in damage of the ocular surface, Irritation of the eyes or sometimes corneal ulcersDry eye disease can be managed as an ongoing conditionCyclosporine is an anti-inflammatory medicationIt decreases corneal damage and increases tear productionFor severe dry eye disease short term use of steroid eye drops decrease inflammation-An original poem by Kenneth KeeDry eye disease is a disorder in which a person does not have sufficient quality tears to lubricate and nourish the eye.
Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for supplying clear vision. Dry eye disease is a frequent and often chronic disorder, especially in older adults. With each blink of the eyelids, tears move across the front surface of the eye, called the cornea. Tears supply lubrication, decrease the danger of eye infection, clean away foreign matter in the eye and maintain the surface of the eyes to be smooth and clear.
Excess tears in the eyes enter small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain into the back of the nose. The surface of the eye is continuously washed by a layer of tear which keeps the eye wet, protects the eye against infection and assists in healing of surface wounds. A normal tear film comprises of 3 important components:1. An oily (lipid) component2. A watery (aqueous) component3.
A mucous-like (mucin) componentEach component of the tear film has a critical function. The tear lipids help to prevent the tear film from evaporating too quickly and increase lubrication, while mucin helps to maintain and spread the tears across the surface of the eye. Each tear component is secreted by different glands on or near the eye:1. The oily component is secreted by meibomian glands in the eyelids.2.
The watery component is secreted by lacrimal glands located behind the outer aspect of the upper eyelids.3. The mucin component is secreted by goblet cells in the conjunctiva that covers the white of the eye (sclera). A disorder with any of these sources of tear film components can result in tear instability and dry eyes. Dry eyes can happen when tear production and drainage is not in balance. Dry eye disease happens when the eye does not produce tears properly or when the tears are not of the exact consistency and evaporate too rapidly and this induces damage of the ocular surface, irritation of the eyes or visual disturbances.
Inflammation of the surface of the eye may happen along with dry eye. If left untreated this disorder can produce pain, ulcers or scars on the cornea and rarely loss of visionDry eye disease can be linked with:a. Inflammation of the surface of the eye, the lacrimal gland or the conjunctiva;b. Any disease process that alters the components of the tears;c. A rise in size of the surface of the eye, as in thyroid disease when the eye protrudes forwardsd.
Cosmetic surgery when the eyelids are opened too widely. Dry Eyes can be treated with artificial tears, cyclosporine, lacrimal plugs, antibiotics for infections. TABLE OF CONTENT...