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Overview

Dry eyes can cause problems if you can’t use your natural tears properly. Often dry eye can be caused by not producing enough tears or by shedding too much (excess tears).

The tear film is unstable, which can cause inflammation on the eye surface and damage.

Dry eyes occur when you encounter dry air; traveling in a hot air balloon, on a bike, or in the computer room. If the eyes get wet and watery, it causes the skin around the eye to hurt. Treatment of dry eyes can help improve your health.

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Customer Stories

Chronic Dry Eyes Relief from Australia
My eyes are doing very well, thank you. After some experimentation I’ve settled on a regular dose that alleviates the discomfort I was experiencing. Taking just one capsule in the morning and again at night keeps them feeling normal. I was so happy to discover your product. No one I spoke to, including doctors and specialists, while my symptoms got progressively worse, even knew such a treatment existed.

Kind regards,

SG Australia

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How do you know if you have dry eyes?

If you suffer from dry eyes, you may feel redness and sting. Dry eyes may occur for the first time or for more extended periods. When your tears are drained, or you lose your tears too rapidly.

Symptoms from dry eyes may vary in severity. Sometimes the symptoms are reduced by using home remedies and prescription eye drops.

It is crucial to find the root cause and prevent or manage it.

In many cases, artificial tears do not seem to relieve dry eyes.

Composition of the tears

The tear has three layers

  1. Lipid Layer

The lipid (oil) layer stabilizes the tear film located at the upper layer. When you have Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (the most common type of dry eye), your tear has less oil, so your have evaporative dry eyes.

  1. Aqueous Layer

The Aqueous Layer is the most considerable portion of your tears, responsible for supplying the moisture your eyes need to be comfortable.

If you have Aqueous Layer Deficiency, your eyes don’t produce enough of the watery component of tears, which makes it harder to make your eye moist.

  1. Mucin Layer

This inner layer consists of proteins called mucins that coat the eye and allow the tears to Aqueous Layer to “stick” to spread the tears evenly over the surface of the eye – the cornea.

All three layers are necessary to create an ideal tear film serves to keep the eyes moist and healthy.

The tear film cannot properly coat your eyes if any layer becomes depleted, and dry spots can form. You are causing your eyes to become symptomatic and uncomfortable.

Dry eye categories

Dry eyes can vary according to the type.

What Are the Different Types of Dry Eyes?

  • Not Enough Tear – Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye (ADDE).
  • Not Enough Oil – Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE).
  • Not Enough Tear and Oil – Mixed Dry Eye (MDE).

Not Enough tears– Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye (ADDE)

Lack of tear production – producing fewer tears in the tear glands  (lacrimal glands) – the water part of your tears- caused by mild dehydration. Drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

Your tears lubricate and protect your ocular surface. If there isn’t a sufficient amount, you may experience pain with each blink.

The friction against your delicate eyes is not comfortable. Your tear film is unstable.

ADDE is common in patients with autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’sSjogren’s syndrome.

Sjogren patients cannot produce tears because their tear glands aren’t functioning. They suffer from dry eyes, dry mouth, and dryness throughout the body.

Frequent use of artificial tears eye drops can make dry eyes worse.

Not Enough Oil – Evaporative Dry Eye (EDE) 

You will have tears evaporate too quickly when the meibomian tear glands produce too little oil to coat the surface of the eye and thicken tears. Dry eyes characterize the symptoms with fast tear evaporation.

The most common reason to develop dry eye may also be the failure of the Lacrimal gland’s tear production.

The tear glands (specifically, the meibomian glands) along your eyelid margin can be clogged, so the oily outer layer of your tears isn’t secreting properly.

If you don’t have enough oil in your tears- your tears evaporate too quickly. It is also called unstable tear film.

Think of your eyelids as the windshield wipers of your car, the meibomian tear glands as the jets that expel washing fluid, and your cornea as the windshield.

Every time you blink, your windshield wipers (eyelids) help remove the fluid (oils) onto the eye’s surface of your cornea to prevent evaporation of your tears.

EDE is common in patients with eyelash dandruff (blepharitis)ocular rosacea, and Demodex mites. EDE is the most common type of dry eye that an eye doctor will diagnose.

To ease the impact of meibomian gland dysfunction, use warm compresses to melt the clogging and massage to get it out.

Frequent use of artificial tears does not help in evaporative dry eyes.

Not Enough Tear and Oil – Mixed Dry Eye (MDE)

You can also be diagnosed with ADDE and EDE, called Mixed Dry Eye (MDE).

In most cases, people with chronic dry eyes have increased tear evaporation where their tear glands produce too few tears, not enough oil, or both. Inflammation from dry eyes shuts off tear production simultaneously, causing MGD.

A prevalent complaint from people with dry eyes is artificial tears don’t work.

Am I at risk for dry eye?

People who are at risk for dry eyes include.

Anyone can get dry eye, but you might be more likely to have a dry eye if you:

  • Are you age 50 or older
  • Are female
  • In menopause – the hormone changes result in dry eyes.
    The choices are to use hormone replacement therapy. See TheraLife for all-natural menopausal support.
  • Wear contact lenses
  • Don’t get enough vitamin A (found in foods like carrots, broccoli, and liver) or omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, walnuts, and vegetable oils)
  • Taking medications such as antidepressants, blood pressure medications, steroids,
  • Have certain autoimmune conditions, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren syndrome

Tell me the difference between dry eyes and dry eye syndrome?

Dry eyes occur because the eye’s surface is dry and lacks lubricating fluid. The presence of enough teardrops in our eyes is crucial to preserving our vision.

Tears clean up dirt and bacteria that can damage the eye’s cornea or cause an eye infection.

Typical tears contain three main parts: An oily (lipoprotein) compound produced by meibomian glands inside the eyes, a watery liquid composed of lacrimal glands located behind the outer edges of upper eyelids.

What is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome)?

Keratoconjunctivitis scycloma, a dry eye syndrome, is a recurring condition that causes dry eye. It appears where the eyes are unable, lack of sufficient tears, or the amount of fluid produced is not enough in the tear fluid.

Symptoms of this condition can vary from irritation of the eyes to redness and blurred vision.

Major difference between dry eyes and dry eye syndrome is severity and recurrence.

Diagnosing keratoconjunctivitis symptoms

If someone is suffering from keratoconjunctivitis, it is best to consult an eye doctor.

The doctor might perform many tests to determine what is causing the problem.

Causes of keratoconjunctivitis syndrome

Tears contain a blend of oil, liquid, and mucus, which helps protect eye surfaces from infections and helps keep them smooth and clenched. Different reasons can cause dry eye syndrome.

What causes dry eyes?

  • Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritisSjögren’sSjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus
  • Menopause – dry eyes happen a lot to women over 50.
  • Blepharitis (when eyelids are swollen or red)
  • Entropion (when eyelids turn in); ectropion (eyelids turn outward)
  • Being in cold climates, smoke, wind, or a very dry climate
  • Watery, dry eyes – having had dry eyes for a long time where reflex tearing is daily.
  • Looking at a computer screen for a long time, reading, and other activities that reduce blinking
  • Using contact lenses for a long time, even if it is soft contacts. Wearing glasses can help.
  • Having refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK
  • Taking certain medicines, such as:
  • Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure
  • Beta-blockers for heart problems or high blood pressure
  • Allergy and cold medication (antihistamines)
  • Sleeping pills
  • Anxiety and antidepressant medicines
  • Heartburn medicine

Prevalence of dry eye

Dry eye disorders are the most common eye ailments worldwide and the most common reason to see an eye doctor.

The study found dry eyes are shared among all age groups from 5 to 50 years old in some countries worldwide.

Researchers said this variation may have arisen because of the differences in diagnostic criteria between studies.

Symptoms of dry eye

Dry eye symptoms include burning sensation, itching eyes aching, heavy eyes, Fatigued eyes, sore eyes.

It may happen because dry eyes can lead to excessive watery portions in your tears as protection mechanisms.

But reflex tears do not remain on the eye longer to correct the underlying dry eyes.

Dry eye symptoms usually affect both eyes may include:

  • A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
  • Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
  • Light sensitivity – sensitivity to bright light make your eyes blink repeatedly.
  • Eye redness
  • A feeling of having something in your eyes
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
  • Difficulty with nighttime driving
  • Watering eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
  • Blurred vision or eye fatigue
  • Stinging or burning feelings in your eye
  • Sensitivity to light

Dry eye symptoms vary depending on the individual.

Symptoms of dry eyes get worse if you are stressed.

How will my eye doctor check for dry eye?

Your doctor can check for dry eye as part of a comprehensive dilated eye exam.

The exam is painless and straightforward — your doctor will give you some eye drops to dilate (widen) your pupil and then check your eyes for dry eye and other eye problems.

According to the national eye institute: Here is what your eye doctor might check if you have dry eyes:

  • The amount of tears your eyes make
  • How long does it take for your tears to dry up
  • The structure of your eyelids
  • A comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam that includes a complete history of your overall health and your eye health can help your doctor diagnose the cause of your dry eyes.
  • A test to measure the volume of your tears. Your doctor may measure your tear production using the Schirmer test.
  • A test to determine the quality of your tears. Other tests use special dyes in eyedrops to determine the surface condition of your eyes called Tear Breakup Time.
  • A tear osmolarity test. This type of test measures the composition of particles and water in your tears. With dry eye disease, there will be less water in your eyes.
  • Tear samples to look for markers of dry eye disease, including elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 or decreased lactoferrin.

Dry Eye Prevention Tips

If dry eyes occur, take note of what is causing your symptoms. Please find out how we can avoid such situations to reduce dry eye. Some examples:

  • Try not to use a hairdryer, if possible.
  • Stay away from hot rooms and dry air. In the winter, add moisture to the air with a humidifier. Or put a pan of water near your heater or radiator.
  • Protect your eyes from drying wind by wearing wraparound glasses outside.
  • Talk to your ophthalmologist about adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet for dry eye relief. They are found naturally in oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, and anchovies) and flaxseeds. Add Omega-3 fatty acids as a dietary supplement (pill or tablet).
  • Do you wake up with dry and scratchy eyes? Use artificial tear ointment or thick eye drops just before going to bed.

How can you treat dry eyes?

Treatment for dry eye usually depends on what’s causing your symptoms. A few different types of treatment can ease your symptoms and help keep your eyes healthy.

Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. The most common treatment for mild dry eye is eye drops called artificial tears. There are also over-the-counter lubricating eye drops that are thicker, like gels and ointments that may help your eyes feel better.

Prescription eye drop. If your dry eye is more serious, your eye doctor may give you a prescription for medicines called cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra).

Menopause – birth control pills or hormone supplementation. TheraLife has natural hormone supplementation.

Computer vision syndrome – use blue light blocking screen protectors, try to blink frequently to relieve dryness.

Watering eyes treatmentTheraLife. The only way to stop tear overproduction in watery eyes is to treat dry eyes. Once the dry eye is under control, your eyes will naturally reduce tear production to stop tear overproduction. See here for more information.

Sometimes watery eyes are caused by a blocked tear duct where the tear drain is compromised.

Meibomian gland dysfunction – recommend TheraLife eye capsules, warm compresses, and mild cleanser like Avenova. The baby shampoo does not work. Other eyelid cleansers contain harsh detergents that tend to irritate your eyelids.

Lifestyle changes. 

  • Try to avoid dry climates, smoke, wind, and air conditioning
  • Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home from getting too dry
  • Limit screen time and take breaks from staring at screens. Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes.
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses when you’re you’re outside
  • Drink plenty of water — try for 8 to 10 glasses every day
  • Get enough sleep — about 7 to 8 hours a night.

Tear duct plugs. If tears are draining too quickly from your eyes, your doctor may suggest putting punctal plugs in your tear ducts (tiny holes in the inner corners of your eyes).

In the beginning, you will probably use temporary ones to see if it works. Eventually, you can get permanent plugs. These plugs can help keep tears in your eyes.

Surgery. To fix yours overall tear flow system. In some cases, dry eye can happen because your lower eyelids are too loose, causing tears to dry out quickly.

Your eye doctor may suggest surgery to fix your eyelids and help prevent tear evaporation. This treatment is not very common.

Surgical Procedures

The eye doctor may use specific surgical procedures to treat chronic dry eye, including:

  • Closing your tear ducts. If your chronic dry eye doesn’t respond to traditional methods, your doctor may recommend cauterizing your tear ducts. The idea is that tears will stay in your eyes longer if there is nowhere for them to drain. Punctal plugs are made of silicone and are removable.
  • Special contacts. You may find relief from chronic dry eye by wearing scleral or bandage contact lenses. This option is helpful if your chronic dry eye is caused mainly by losing tears too quickly.
  • Clearing blocked oil glands. Your doctor may recommend a procedure known as LipiFlow thermal pulsation or intraductal meibomian probing.

Natural treatments

Several natural treatments may help chronic dry eye. Examples include:

  • A warm compress made of gel or microbeads. . Hold this over your eyes for ten minutes to soften plugs in the oil glands.
  • Massage your eyelids after warm compress to facilitate the removal of debris. 
  • Omega-3 supplements. You are adding supplements and foods into your diet that contain omega-3 fatty acids by reducing inflammation in your body.
  • Castor oil artificial tears. Castor oil helps reduce tear evaporation, which can improve your symptoms. Artificial tear eye drops that contain castor oil are available.

Lifestyle changes

You can make some at-home changes that may improve your chronic dry eye symptoms. These include:

  • Wearing sunglasses with side shields to prevent tears from evaporating
  • Blinking often when doing the same task for a long time, like reading or looking at a computer
  • Using a cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air
  • Drinking water throughout the day to stay hydrated
  • Avoiding smoking and limiting exposure to secondhand smoke

Dry Eye Prevention Tips

The American optometric association suggests them.

  • Try not to use a hairdryer, if possible.
  • Stay away from hot rooms. In the winter, add moisture to the air with a humidifier. Or put a pan of water near your heater or radiator.
  • Protect your eyes from drying wind by wearing wraparound glasses outside.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids as a dietary supplement (pill or tablet). They are found naturally in oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, and anchovies) and flaxseeds. Talk to your ophthalmologist about adding omega-3 fatty acids to your diet for dry eye relief.
  • Do you wake up with dry and scratchy eyes? Use artificial tear ointment or thick eye drops just before going to bed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix dry eyes?

If you have chronic dry eyes, first line of remedy is to use over the counter eye drops.  However, over time, eye drops may not work that is when you start using oral treatment like TheraLife’s all natural solution.  Treating from inside out.

Does drinking water help dry eyes?

Drinking water helps dry eyes a great deal.  Making more tears require water.  Recommended amount is 8 glasses a day.

Is dry eyes a serious eye condition?

Dry eyes typically cause mild or moderate discomfort like tired, irritated eyes.  However, severe dry eyes can be serious, causing blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, cornea abrasion and more.

What deficiency causes dry eyes?

Certain autoimmume diseases, menopause and some medications cause dry eyes.  Aging is a natural cause of dry eye in the elderly.

Conclusion

The overarching complexity of the dry eye disease makes it challenging to diagnose and manage accurately. With development of objective tests with precise diagnostic value and minimal disruption of physiological function, accurate diagnosis of disease is possible. Recent knowledge about causes, symptoms, and diagnostic tests of KCS provides better opportunities for improving medical management. Development of new potential drugs and different colloidal delivery systems definitely provides a ray of hope for more effective treatment of this widely prevalent and debilitating disease.

References

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