Persistent failure of the tear glands to produce moisture of sufficient quantity or quality to wet and lubricate the eye normally. The principal symptoms of dry eye are a scratchy or sandy feeling in the eyes, stinging or burning, periods of excess tearing following sensations of dryness, a stringy discharge from the eye, and pain and redness. Contact lens wearers with dry eye usually find it more difficult to tolerate their lenses. The eyelids may seem heavy, and vision can become blurred, doubled, or decreased and highly sensitive to light. In extreme cases, dry eye can lead to ulcers of the cornea (the clear outer covering of the eye), which may result in perforation of the eyeball and loss of vision. Dry eye is more common in women (particularly after menopause) than men.
Insufficient tear quantity and/or quality caused by aging, the environment, hormonal changes, or disease. This condition produces pain and discomfort in the eyes. Dry eye may occur in any disorder that scars the cornea (e.g., erythema multiforme, trachoma, or corneal burns), Sjogren’s syndrome, lagophthalmos, Riley-Day syndrome, absence of one or both of the lacrimal glands, paralysis of the facial or trigeminal nerves, medication with atropine, deep anesthesia, and debilitating diseases. Suitably prepared water-soluble polymers are effective in treating this condition.
In the realm of ocular health, there exists a condition known as corneal dryness, which arises from inadequate production of tears. When the tear glands fail to generate a sufficient amount of tears, the cornea becomes deprived of the necessary lubrication and moisture it requires for optimal functioning. This condition can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications affecting vision. Proper management and treatment of corneal dryness are essential to alleviate symptoms and maintain ocular health.