Dry eye is a general term used to describe a range of conditions associated with inadequate hydration of both the cornea and the conjunctiva by the tear film.
TEAR FILM
Its role
- Keeps the surface of the cornea healthy by shaping the appropriate moisture conditions needed by epithelial cells
- Guarantees clear vision after correcting any abnormalities on the cornea creating a smooth surface capable of the best possible light refraction
- It is the first source of nutrients, antibacterial action and removal of harmful foreign bodies from the cornea
- It is the first line of defense against microbial invasion because it contains antibacterial substances and antibodies that protect epithelial cells
- Provides comfort
CAUSES OF DRY EYE
A dry eye is mainly related to:
- The age
- Gender
- The dry environment
- Use of PC
- LASIK operations
- Use of contact lenses
- Use of drugs
- Hormonal changes
- Diseases of the immune system
- Eye diseases such as blepharitis, conjunctivitis or glands infection that produce one of the three components of the tear film (Lipids, Water and Mucin)