Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) : What You Should Know About the Chronic Eye Ailment?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is the condition in which your eyes lack of sufficient wetness. Your lachrymal glands and the accessory lachrymal glands secrete salty liquid, oil, and protein and these tear fluids are used to lubricate your eyes. When affected by DES your lachrymal glands and the accessory lachrymal glands does not secrete adequate tears. The secretion of tears is poor due to various reasons. The condition is known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). There is a staggering statistics of DES. Approximately five per cent of the Americans have been diagnosed with DES.

Causes for DES

Your eyes are lubricated by the tear film. Your tear film is made up of three layers: mucus (Corneal) layer, aqueous (middle) layer and lipid (outer) layer. Half of the tears secreted by lachrymal glands get evaporated.

Your DES could have caused due to many factors. Your aging process could be one factor. Some other factors could be allergy, acute and chronic ailments, strong medication and wearing of contact lenses.

How You Get Affected by DES?

You may probably get affected by DES, if you are a computer addict and spend at least two or more hours in front of your computer monitor. The main reason is that you are staring in a single direction for long duration. Normally you blink 16 times in a minute. But while sitting before your monitor you only blink two to three times per minute. Simultaneously there is an increase in evaporation timing. You simply understand that the excessive evaporation of moisture occurs due to absence adequate blinking frequency. Ultimately your eyes are strained and you feel eye irritation, itching and burning sensation. Your vision is blurred or there is double vision. At chronic conditions you may feel acute pain and redness. The prolonged DES is susceptible to virus and bacterial infections and will lead to corneal ulcers.

Diagnoses and Treatment

Your ophthalmologist will diagnose DES by testing your tear fluid. He will look for the right concentration of protein and moisture and determine the quantum of secretion. How your DES is treated? The ophthalmologist generally prefers to prescribe eye drop as a substitute of natural tears. The eye drops will both add moisture and lubricate. Apply the eye drops 3-4 times a day and sooth your eyes. Soon you may get reduced irritation and redness.

Precaution and Preventive Measures

How to prevent DES or take precaution against DES? There are few preventive measures or precaution against DES:

1. Be alert and put efforts to blink as many times as you can. When using computer do this with conscious effort. Do this 20:20:20 Routine when you are working with computer: "Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away,"

2. Make a conscious effort to blink frequently when reading, watching TV, or using the computer.

3. Consume at least eight glasses of water in a day to maintain your water balance.

4. Eat vitamin A (beta carotene) rich vegetables and fruits.

5. Take vitamin A supplement if advised prescribed.

6. Get your eyes tested and wear eye glasses while using computer.

7. Use sun glasses when you go out. Protect your eyes from dirt, other foreign bodies and wind.

8. Apply eye drops as prescribed.

9. Do eye exercises to keep yourself fit.
Reference Source:

1. Computer Vision Syndrome - Dry Eyes. You Probably Have Computer Vision Syndrome http://www.healthycookingrecipes.com/natural-health-fitness/computer-vision-syndrom.html
2. The Cause of Internet and TV Addiction? Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms, Causes and Treatment http://www.causeof.org/suggvision.htm#DryEye