Dry eye disease is a chronic ailment that develops when the eyes cannot generate enough tears to lubricate eyes or when the quality of the tears is insufficient to keep the eyes wet. A doctor will enquire about a person’s symptoms and inspect the front of the eye to diagnose Hell’s Kitchen dry eye. Dilation of the eye may also be performed to examine the rear of the eye. This is a straightforward and painless treatment in which eye drops are used to dilate the pupil. The dilated eye exam can provide information about the volume of tears produced by the eyes, the velocity of tear evaporation, and the anatomy of the eyelids. Also, your specialist will ask about your medical history and any drugs or supplements you take.
How do tears function?
A film of tears forms across the eye as you blink. This maintains the surface of the eye stays clean and clear. The tear film is essential for clear eyesight. Also, the tear film comprises an oily layer, a mucus layer, and a watery layer. Each tear film’s layer has a specific function. The oily layer is the tear film’s outer layer, it smoothes the tear surface and prevents tears from drying out too rapidly. This layer is formed in the meibomian glands of the eye. The watery layer is located in the center of the tear film. It accounts for most of what we perceive as tears. This layer cleans the eye by removing materials that do not belong in the eye. The lacrimal glands in the eyelids create this layer.
Additionally, the mucus layer is the tear film’s innermost layer. This helps to disperse the watery layer throughout the eye’s surface, keeping it moist. Tears would not stick to the eye without mucus. The conjunctiva produces mucus. This is the transparent tissue that covers the white of your eye and the inside of your eyelids. Typically, our eyes continually produce tears to keep them moist. When our eyes are inflamed or we cry, we have a large number of tears. However, occasionally the eyes do not produce enough tears, or something interferes with one or more tear film layers. In such instances, people get dry eyes.
Complications of dry eye disease
Many episodes of moderate dry eye do not result in issues. Conversely, severe or chronic instances might result in problems such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, or scarring. Conjunctivitis is the inflammation and swelling of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, transparent membrane covering the white of the eye. The majority of conjunctivitis cases resolve with suitable treatment. However, severe instances might result in catastrophic problems, such as blindness. Corneal ulceration and scarring can cause discomfort as well as long-term vision problems. Also, conjunctivitis and corneal scarring might have symptoms comparable to dry eye. You should seek emergency health assistance if you have significant symptoms, such as intense or worsening eye discomfort or vision changes.
If you have dry eye issues, make an appointment for an eye checkup. During your appointment, your eye doctor will do diagnostic tests to examine your tears, eyelids, and cornea thoroughly and measure your blink dynamics—how frequently and successfully you blink. Call Russell Levine, MD, to schedule your appointment today to determine which dry eyes treatments suit you.
