Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

- Also called Dry Eye or Kerato conjunctivitis sicca (KCS) --

Dry eye is a condition where the ducts within the eyelids that produce tears, dry up.

Tears are very essential for the proper functioning of the eyes, because they provide lubrication for the eyelids to glide over the eye ball and help to keep it moist. This condition can lead to lower resolution of vision and in some cases can cause severe damage to the eye ball itself, not to mention the added risks of performing daily activities with bad eyesight. 

Is a common disorder of the tear film that affects a significant percentage of the population, especially those older than 40 years of age. Dry eye syndrome can affect any race, and is more common in women than in men. Another term used for dry eye is ocular surface disease.

What causes dry eye syndrome?

• Dry eye syndrome is a common disorder of the normal tear film that results from decreased tear production, excessive tear evaporation, and an abnormality in the production of mucus or lipids normally found in the tear layer, or a combination of these. 
• Aqueous (watery) tear deficiency is caused by either poor production of watery tears or excessive evaporation of the watery tear layer. Poor production of tears by the tear glands may be a result of age, hormonal changes, or various autoimmune diseases, such as primary Sjogren's Syndrome,Rheumatoid arthritis, or Lupus.
• Evaporative loss of the watery tear layer is usually a result of an insufficient overlying lipid layer. 
• If blinking is decreased or if the eyelids cannot be closed, the eyes may dry out because of tear evaporation. While reading, watching TV, or performing a task that requires close attention with the eyes, a person may not blink as often. This decreased blinking allows excessive evaporation of the tears.
• In addition, if an infection is present along the eyelids or the eyelashes (called Blepharitis) the bacteria may break down the oil, so there may not be enough oil. This may lead to evaporative loss of tears and dry eyes.
  
  

  What is the impact of dry eye syndrome?

  -  Dry eye syndrome is a public health problem. 
  
  
  -  Between 50%-75% of contact lens wearers experience dry eyes at some pint with many        discontinuing or limiting lens wear because of this. Dry eye is a significant finding in patients having undergone refractive surgery, especially LASIK.
  
  
  -  In addition to affecting ocular health, the discomfort and irritation of dry eyes can cause    deterioration of general well being, emotional health, and social functioning.
  
  
    - Studies have demonstrated that people with dry eye syndrome are three times more likely than   those   without dry eyes to have difficulty with reading, computer work, watching TV, and driving.
  
  
  -  Our health care resources are impacted by direct costs of dry eyes, such as frequent physician visits, diagnostic tests, and charges for medication and surgery.
  -   In addition, there are immeasurable indirect costs related to decreased productivity and efficiency and lost work time.
  
  
  
  
  
  

  What are dry eye syndrome symptoms and signs?

  -  A person with dry eye syndrome may experience dry, gritty/scratchy, or filmy feeling, burning or itching, redness of the eyes (conjunctivitis), blurred vision, foreign body sensation, and light sensitivity.

  -  Symptoms seem to worsen in dry or windy climates and with higher temperatures and lower humidity. Symptoms may also be worse with prolonged use of the eyes (e.g., while reading and watching TV) and toward the end of the day.

  
  

  
  

  Home Remedies for Itching Eyes:-

  
  

               Chamomile Tea Bags:-

  Those suffering for itching eyes can use chamomile tea bags to apply cold compresses over their infected eyes. Take any kind of chamomile tea bags and keep them inside the refrigerator for almost half an hour. Later on place the tea bags over the eyes for at least ten minutes. Once you are done with applying cold compresses you will not have the urge to rub your eyes again for hours. Follow the process three to four times a day for faster recovery.

         Cucumber:-

  Cucumber is one of the vegetables that have many health benefits. Easily available in the kitchen, you can also use a cucumber to get relief from itching eyes. Cucumber contains anti-irritation properties that help in reducing inflammation, puffiness, swelling and irritation happening in your eyes. To use the cucumbers first wash it properly and then cut it into thin slices and then keep them in the refrigerator for fifteen to twenty minutes. Finally put the cucumber slices over your eyes. Repeat the process four to five times a day.

  Rosewater:-

  Rosewater is also a popular ingredient that can be used for minimizing the discomfort caused by itchiness in the eyes. Use rosewater to rinse your eyes at least twice a day. Apart from this you can also use rosewater as an eye drop. Put four to five drops of rose water into the inflamed eye and you will notice instant relief. Rosewater is one of the most effective home remedies for itchy eyes.

          Aloe Vera:-

  Aloe Vera is also one the most effective home remedies for itchy eyes. Take some aloe vera juice and mix it with honey and elderberry blossom tea to make a solution. This herbal solution works as an excellent rinse. Use this solution to rinse your eyes at least twice a day until the problem of itchy eyes is solved.

     Raw Potatoes:-

  Raw potatoes can also bring quick relief to those suffering from itchy eyes. Take a raw potato and cut it into thin slices and keep them in the refrigerator for some minutes. Take out the chilled raw potato slices and put them over your eyes for at least 30 minutes. This is one of the best home remedies for itchy eyes.

    Fenugreek:-

  Fenugreek can also bring instance relief from itching eyes. Take fenugreek seeds and soak them in water for seven to eight hours and then make a smooth paste out of it. Now apply the paste over your eyes and leave it for twenty minutes. Finally wash the paste off from your eyes with cold water. For better result, follow this home remedy twice daily.

    Milk:-

  Milk is also one of the popular home remedies to cure itchy eyes. Take cold milk and dab a cotton ball in it and use it to rub around the eyes. You can also place the cotton ball soaked in milk on the eyes to enjoy an instant cooling effect. Follow this home remedy twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening.

   Water and Salt:-

  Water and salt are easily available and both these ingredients can be used to cure itchy eyes. You can make a natural eye wash by mixing a cup of distilled water with one teaspoon of salt. Boil this solution until the salt gets dissolved completely. Allow the solution to cool and then use it to flush the eyes. This will get you relief from the pain and itching.

  Green Tea Bags:-

  Green tea bags are healthy and can also be used to get relief from itchy eyes. To make an eye wash boil two green tea bags in one cup of distilled water and then allow the solution to cool completely. Use this solution to flush the eyes twice a day unless the problem of itchy eyes is solved completely.

   Vegetable Juices:-

  Juice of raw vegetables such as carrot and spinach can be of great help to treat itchy eyes. The vegetable juices of carrot and spinach can be used separately or combined together. Make fresh vegetable juice of carrot and spinach and drink it twice daily till you get relief from the infection.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.” 
  ― MJN