Causes, Signs, Symptoms and Tips to Overcome Dry Eyes (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca)

Dry eye or keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce tears in sufficient quantities. Tears issued by the lacrimal gland serves to keep moisture and lubrication for eye comfort during use.

The content of the tear was water for moisture, oil for lubrication, mucus tears for deployment to all parts of the eye and the specific protein for prevention of infection. When there is an imbalance in the tear system, as tears flow stops, this condition can damage the cornea and interfere with our vision.


Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye:

• Sensation of hot, dry, itchy, sometimes accompanied by red eyes.
• Feels like there is a foreign object or a lump on the eye.
• A lot of dirt in the eye.
• Tired eyes while reading only the not too distant future.
• Sensitivity to light or smoke rising.
• Tears feels more dense.
• Blurred eye sight when it is too long to read, watch, working in front of a computer screen.

Causes of Dry Eye:

• Age: in those aged 50 years and over, especially women after menopause.
• Environment: Air conditioned work space, the eyes are often exposed to smoke, fumes, heat and dusty air, sunlight, very bright light.
• Activity: working in front of a computer screen, watching television, or read in a long time but less flashing, motorized vehicle riding without protective goggles, working as a driver, especially in air-conditioned cars, work or frequent plane, swim.
• The use of contact lenses continuously without a break.
• The use of antihistamines and thyroid medication for a long time.
• Disease that affects the eye's ability to produce tears, such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
• There is a disturbance in the eyelids which makes it not close completely.

Tips to Overcome Dry Eye :

• Close your eyes for a moment or blink more frequently or occasionally switch the view to the green plants / garden / in a direction away if you are working with a computer, watching TV or reading.
• If your eyes feel tired, eye compress with towel / handkerchief soaked and close your eyes while sleeping.
• Avoid blowing fan , hair dryer, air conditioner directly into the face.
• Avoid exposure to fumes, cigarette smoke and dust into the eyes.
• Use sunglasses when driving a motor vehicle, swimming, the weather outside is too hot / windy or those who work in contact with the spark of light , such as a welder.
• For users of contact lenses, contact lens care properly, disconnect regularly to give the eyes a chance to rest. Close your eyes for a while so that the eyeball is naturally wettable.
• Do not get used children watch TV or play games in a long time. While still a young age remains a risk of dry eye due to the view that the focus and rarely blinking.
• If you need to use special eye drops to moisten the eyes.

Tag : Health Tips, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca