Did
you ever wonder why the eye is covered by tears?
It's
because the delicate living tissue in the surface of your
eye has no blood supply-it has a tear supply instead. So rather
than getting important things like oxygen and electrolytes
from the blood, your eye surface gets them from the watery
layer of your tears.
What Happens In Dry Eye? (grapic may take a minute
or so to load)
In dry eye, the tear film on the eye surface loses water because
of either decreased tear production or increased evaporation.
As the evaporation continues throughout the day, your eyes
feel drier and drier.
What Causes Dry Eye?
The most common cause of dry eye is aging. As we get older,
we produce fewer tears and evaporation increases. Other common
causes include eye surgery, contact lens wear, sun, wind dry
air, reading, computer use and certain medications. Dry eye
is seen with certain diseases such as Sjögen's syndrome
as well.
Soothing
Relief That Really Works
Do you remember why the eye surface has a tear film? It needs
tears as a source of oxygen and electrolytes. TheraTears is
unique in containing a patented electrolyte balance that matches
the human tear film. They feel as comfortable as natural healthy
tears. TheraTears really works because it both lubricates
and moisturizes dry, irritated eyes providing cumulative long-lasting
dry-eye relief.
History of Theratears
In
1976, Dr. Gilbard began his research with the goal of developing
an effective solution for dry eye patients.
The TheraTears
formula was developed based on 18 years of research in the
clinics and laboratories of the Schepens Eye Research Institute.
What is Dry Eye?
Chronic Eye
Irritation Symptoms:
Sandy-gritty irritation or burning in the eyes Causes:
Two general causes - decreased tear production or increased
tear evaporation.
Tear production can go down from conditions such as rheumatoid
arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome, or from any condition
that decreases sensation on the surface of the eye—for
example: long-term contact lens wear, corneal surgery, LASIK
and certain viruses.
Evaporation can increase from long-standing eyelid inflammation
or blepharitis, from simply having large eyes or from thyroid
eye disease.
Increased Tear
Film Osmolarity
Loss of water from the tear film leads to increased tear film
osmolarity. The tears become more concentrated.
Physiological
Changes in Dry Eye
Decreased Goblet
Cell Density:
Goblet cells are mucous-producing cells on the eye surface
that provide natural lubrication.
These cells are reduced in dry eye.
Decreased Corneal
Glycogen:
Corneal glycogen is the energy source for corneal healing.
Corneal glycogen is reduced in dry eye.
