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One of the most common causes
of eye dryness is the normal aging process. Dry eye symptoms
also can be triggered by environmental factors including low
humidity environments (such as airplanes, deserts, high altitudes,
and windy climates), indoor heating and air conditioning,
and exposure to cigarette smoke. Poor blinking habits coupled
with prolonged computer use or reading can result in pain
and irritation in eyes.
In addition, certain diseases and medications can lead to
severe dry eye. Over 10 million Americans suffer from Dry
Eye Syndrome, a chronic condition that can impact the way
they live and sleep. According to Sjogren’s Syndrome
Foundation, about 4 million Americans suffer from Sjogren’s
syndrome, a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by dry
eyes, dry mouth and arthritis. Many other diseases such as
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and thyroid disease
can also cause severe dry eye. And many medications inhibit
tear production including antihistamines, antidepressants,
oral contraceptives and some heart medications.
People who wear contact
lenses have an increased risk of developing Dry Eye Syndrome,
as contact lenses absorb the tear film and increase the evaporation
of tears. There is no cure for dry eye. If left unattended,
dry eye can lead to scarring of the cornea and even vision
loss. Your eye doctor can recommend treatments to relieve
your symptoms.
It is important to visit your eye doctor
if you experience dry eye symptoms which include:
Itching
Burning
Irritation
Redness
Blurred vision that improves with blinking
Excessive tearing
Increased discomfort after periods of reading, watching TV,
or using a computer
When visiting your doctor, be specific about the type of discomfort
you experienced or are experiencing, the time of day you experience
them, and whether they are aggravated by certain activities.
Your doctor can help you determine the causes and the severity
of dry eye symptoms, as well as recommend the best treatments
for you.
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Dry eye is a result of a reduction in the
quality or quantity of natural tears. Insufficient tear production
can lead to irritation, pain, and scarring of the cornea (the
front covering of your eye).
Tears are essential to the health of our
eyes. Tears moisturize, lubricate, nourish and clean the eye.
The moisture prevents the cornea from drying, while the lubrication
makes blinking smooth and comfortable. Tears also provide
nourishment to the eye by supplying oxygen and removing carbon
dioxide. Tears wash away foreign particles and help protect
the eye from infection. Without adequate tears, the cornea
can become damaged, which can lead to pain, blurred vision,
and even blindness.
Tears are comprised of 3 components, oil,
mucus (also called mucin) and watery tears. The innermost
layer of tears is the mucus layer which coats the surface
of the cornea and allows the tear film to adhere to the eye.
The middle layer is the watery tears which provide moisture
and supply oxygen and other nutrients to the cornea. The outer
layer is composed of oil that seals the tear film and slows
the evaporation of tears from the surface of the eye.
Tears are formed in several glands around
the eye. The watery tears are produced in the lacrimal gland,
while several smaller glands produce the oil and mucus layers.
With each blink, the eyelids sweep tears across the eye. Excess
tears flow into drainage ducts.
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Unlike other treatments, tranquileyes eye
hydrating therapy is non-invasive, preserves natural tears,
and promotes eye health. How? In a word, humidity.
The oily lipid layer on the outside of the
tear film acts to preserve natural tears and spread them evenly
across the eye, keeping them well-moistened.
As we age, our bodies produce less oils and therefore the
oily lipid layer starts to thin.
Thinning of the lipid layer makes it harder on the eyes to
hold tears and protect from evaporation.
The evaporation rate of natural tears in a dry eye can be
four times as high as a normal eye."(1)
Evaporation rate of natural tears decreases when relative
humidity increases."(2)
Significant changes occur in tear film lipid layer thickness
following alterations in humidity of the periocular environment.
Increased humidity results in a thickening of the lipid layer
and a concurrent relief of dry eye symptoms both during period
of exposures and hours after. "(3)
If evaporation can be controlled and returned to normal levels
in patients with low tear flow, the eye might be able to maintain
healthier tear osmolarity despite the low flow
tranquileyes provides immediate and long lasting relief from
dry, irritated eyes. It restores moisture by increasing humidity
around the eyes which prevents the evaporation of natural
tears. The increased humidity also improves eye health by
the thickening the lipid layer and restoring the eye’s
defense against evaporation.
1. “Ocular Evaporation in Meibomian
Gland Dysfunction and Dry Eye”
William Mathers, MD - Ophthalmology Volume 100, Number 3,
March 1995
2. “Effect of Periocular Humidity
on the Tear Film Lipid Layer” Donald R. Korb, O.D.,
Jack V. Greiner, MD, Ph.D, Thomas Glonk, Ph.D, Roya Esbah,
O.D., Victor M. Finnemore, O.D., and Amy C. Whalen, B.A. ,
Cornea Vol. 15. No. 2 1996
3. “Tear Flow and Evaporation in Patients
with and without Dry Eye” William D. Mathers, MD, Thomas
E. Daley, MS, Ophthalmology Volume 103, Number 4, April 1996.
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Dry eye is caused by multiple factors. Some
of the factors that cause and contribute to dry eyes include:
Natural Aging
Excessive contact lens use
LASIK Surgery
Infrequent or incomplete blinking associated with prolonged
computer use
Low humidity environments such airplanes, dry, windy conditions,
hot or cold climates, indoor heating or A/C
Irritants such as smoke or dust
Allergies
Certain diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus
Bletharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)
Hormonal changes experienced during pregnancy and post menopause
Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, oral
contraceptives and some heart medications
The most common cause of severe dry eye is the normal aging
process. Over time, your body produces less oil – 60%
less at age 65 than at age 18. With less oil to seal the watery
layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving eyes
feeling dry, gritty, and irritated. According to some estimates,
as many as 75% of people over age 65 will experience severe
dry eye.
People who wear contact lenses have an increased
risk of developing Dry Eye Syndrome, as contact lenses absorb
the tear film and increase the evaporation of tears. Dry eye
symptoms also can be triggered by environmental factors including
low humidity environments (such as airplanes, deserts, high
altitudes, and windy climates), indoor heating and air conditioning,
and exposure to cigarette smoke. Poor blinking habits coupled
with prolonged computer use or reading can result in pain
and irritation in eyes.
In addition, certain diseases and medications
can lead to severe dry eye. According to Sjogren’s Syndrome
Foundation, about 4 million Americans suffer from Sjogren’s
syndrome, a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by dry
eyes, dry mouth and arthritis. Many other diseases such as
rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma and thyroid disease
can also cause severe dry eye. And many medications inhibit
tear production including antihistamines, antidepressants,
oral contraceptives and some heart medications.
There is no cure for dry eye. If left unattended,
dry eye can lead to scarring of the cornea and even vision
loss.
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For more information on dry eyes and using
tranquileyes along with other dry
eye products for relief, we highly recommend the new book
by Dr. Robert
Latkany: "The Dry Eye Remedy".
For more information on Dry Eyes visit:
American Academy of Ophthalmology (www.aao.org)
National Eye Institute (www.nei.nih.gov)
Schepens Eye Research Institute (www.eri.harvard.edu)
Sjogren's Syndrome Foundation (www.sjogrens.org)
The Boston Foundation for Sight (www.bostonsight.org)
The Dry Eye Zone (www.dryeyezone.com)
American Optometric Association (www.aoanet.org)
American Society of Ocular Trauma (www.asotonline.org)
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