Does reading, watching tv, staring at a computer screen,or looking at bright lights bother your eyes? Do you find yourself frequently rubbing your eyes because they feel dry and irritated? Are you always reaching for the over the counter eye drops? If you can answer yes, to all the above, more than likely you have chronic dry eye.

WHAT IS CHRONIC DRY EYE?

Chronic dry eye is a condition that occurs when there is an insufficient absence in tear production. Natural tears are made up of a combination of water, mucus, and special proteins which are concealed by glands around the eye. If there are not enough natural tears to lubricate the eye, then chronic dry eye can develop. Environmental elements such as weather can aggravate the eye and cause the tears to dry out. Often people with this condition, feel discomfort in a number of ways including: irritation, inflammation, burning or experiencing a grainy, scratching feeling as if something is in the eye.

WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE?

Fewer tears and moisture are frequently common factors for causing dry eye. Aging can also be a major cause with this condition. As we age, tear production can become less productive which can cause tears to rapidly evaporate. Dry eye syndrome is usually more common in woman because of hormone fluctuations. Woman who are beginning menopause, usually face this problem.

Some individuals, whether it be from aging or blockage of tear ducts, are not able to generate as much of their own natural tears. Certain medications such as antihistimines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicine, and birth control pills, or have a deficiency in vitamin A, could possibly experience dry eye syndrome. Dry eye can sometimes also be a symptom of familiar diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, or sjrogens disease. Dusty, dry or windy climates can be another aspect of this disorder.

If you do a lot of reading, watching tv, or staring at a computer,this can cause eye strain, infrequent blinking and tear formulation. All of which are characteristics of dry eye.

Chronic dry eye is the most common complaint among contact wearers because the lenses absorb lubrication and tear film. Those who wear contacts on a regular basis typically need lenses that include added moisture.

HOW DO TEARS RELIEVE DRY EYE?

A key factor for protecting the eyes are tears. Tears soothe the eyes, wash away dust particles and supply oxygen and nutrients to the cornea as well as help defend

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