If you would like, you can download and fill out the dry eye questionnaire and bring it with you to the office.
Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears help keep your eyes comfortable and your vision optimal. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or have poor quality tears. Three main layers make up the tear film:
The inner most layer is made up of mucin (mucus) and is the thinnest layer, produced by the cells in the conjunctiva. The mucus helps the next layer, the watery layer, to spread evenly over the eye.
The middle layer, the aqueous layer, is the largest and thickest. This layer is produced by the lacrimal glands which are under the upper lids. This layer functions to keep the eye moist and comfortable, as well as to flush out any debris, dust and foreign particles that may get into the eyes. Defects in this layer are the most common cause of dry eye syndrome, also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS).
The outer most layer is a very thin layer of lipids (oils or fats). This lipid layer is produced by the meibomian glands and the glands of Zeis (oil glands in eye lids). The main function of this oily layer is to help decrease evaporation of the watery layer beneath it.
Dry eyes can be caused by an improper balance of tear production and drainage.
The development of dry eyes can have many causes. They include:
Treatments for dry eyes aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness and related discomfort and to maintain eye health.
If you respond positively to two or more symptoms in the survey, you may have Dry Eye Syndrome. Please mention this to the Doctor for further evaluation and treatment.
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