I FOUND IT!! I GUESS THIS IS WHAT HUBBY IS SUFFERING....

LUCKY FOR TREATMENT NO SURGERY INVOLVE.. THANK GOD!!

Dry Eye
Dry eye is a condition that occurs when our eyes produce insufficient tears on its surface
to maintain adequate lubrication and protection. Consequently, our eyes are easily subjected
to irritants leading to discomfort.

What causes dry eye?

1. Environment
Harsh environmental factors such as pollutants, haze and smoke often irritate our
eyes and cause discomfort. The low humidity in air-conditioned rooms and aircraft
cabins are other common causes of dry eye.

2. Age
Tear flow rate as well as the “effectiveness” of tears decreases as we grow older. Dry
eye is more common in post - menopausal women.

3. Contact lenses
Some contact lens materials absorb more moisture from the eyes than others due
to their hydrophilic nature. As a result some contact lens wearers may suffer from dry
eyes.

4. Visual tasks
Blinking at regular intervals is essential to recoating the surface of the eye with tear
film. Prolonged staring at computer terminals and TV screens decreases the frequency
of blinking and sets the stage for dry eye.

5. Other causes
Medications such as antihistamines (for allergy and runny nose), decongestants (for
sinus), anti-acne pills and certain blood pressure medications are often associated
with dry eye as a side effect. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s
syndrome can also cause dry eye.

What are the symptoms?

Common tell - tale symptoms include:
Burning sensation

Itching

Watery eyes

Redness

Sensitivity to bright light

Feeling of sand or grit in the eyes

What Treatment is Available?

The selection of treatment modalities for patients with dry eye depends largely on the severity
of their disease.

1. Artificial tears

They are commonly used to relieve most dry eye conditions, substituting the lost
moisture, providing relief to the eyes. Preparations containing electrolytes (sodium,
potassium, calcium and magnesium salts) supplement natural tears restoring its
osmolarity. Preservative-free artificial tears are formulated such that they can be used
as frequently as desired without the risk of toxicity.

2. Eye ointments

They are also effective, but because they may blur vision, they are usually applied
only at bedtime.

3. Punctal occlusion

It may be used in selected cases. Artificial “stoppers” or plugs are used to decrease
the drainage of natural tears, thus relieving symptoms. Plugs also help in retaining
artificial tears, thus reducing the need of frequent application.
In many cases, dry eye may manifest as redness in the eyes, and hence is often confused
with “allergic red eye” and inappropriately treated with decongestant or antihistamine eyedrops.
Such eye drops have been known to mask the symptoms of dry eyes, as well as
those of more serious eye conditions. Please consult your pharmacist or doctor for the
appropriate treatment.

How to prevent dry eye?

Dry eye can be relieved by certain environmental modifications, such as avoiding
smoky/polluted rooms and the installation of humidifiers. In addition, one can reduce the
duration of near work, for example reading and working at computer terminal