How to Treat Your Dry Eyes
Dry eyes is a condition characterized by a decrease in the production of tears or change in the quality of tears.
As the term suggests, the surface of the eye doesn't get enough moisture, causing a scratchy or sandy feeling in the eye, stinging or burning, redness and pain. Sometimes patients with dry eye will experience a surge of excess tears after a period of eye dryness. The condition can cause blurred vision.
Tears are the watery substance that bathes the eye. They form a film that keeps the cornea moist, protects the eye against infection and helps eye wounds heal. There are actually three layers to the tear film. The outer layer is the oily layer produced by the meibomian glands. This layer prevents tears from evaporating too quickly and allows tears to stay in the eye (and not run down the face). The middle of the tear film is a watery layer produced by the lacrimal gland. This watery fluid nourishes the cornea and carries away tiny particles or irritants. The inner layer of the tear film contains mucus produced by the conjunctiva (the membrane lining the inside of the eye). This layer helps the tear film spread over the surface of the eye and keep the eye moist.
The main method of treatment for dry eye is use of artificial tears in the form of eyedrops. The products lubricate the eyes and help reduce dryness. Some patients may need to use the drops several times an hour.
Patients can also take steps to slow the evaporation of tears from the eyes. Wrap-around glasses reduce evaporation when outside. Indoors, humidifiers can add moisture to the air and reduce fluid loss in the eye. Hair dryers and smoke-filled rooms should be avoided. At night, patients can place moisturing ointments in the eye and cover the eye with a patch to prevent escape of moisture.
Randal Paniello, M.D., a Head and Neck Surgeon at Washington University, is using a novel procedure to treat some patients with extreme dry eye problems, called a saliva gland transplant. He says he is the first physician in the U.S. to perform this transplant.
Paniello removes the submandibular saliva gland, duct and the connecting vein and artery. Next, a small incision is made into the temple, above the outer corner of the eye. A small amount of muscle is removed to make room for the saliva gland. Then, the gland is placed in its new location. The artery and vein are connected to nearby vessels to provide blood flow to the gland. Finally, the end of the duct is connected inside the outer corner of the upper eyelid at the spot where tears would normally be released into the eye. The surgery takes about 8 to 10 hours and patients spend about a week in the hospital for follow-up.
Source : wsoctv
More Information:
American Academy of Ophthalmology
National Eye Institute
Filed under Dry Eyes, Eye Treatment
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