"Tears are the nobel language of eyes, and when true love of words is destitute. The eyes by tears speak, while the tongue is mute."
Tears play a special role in our lives as expressed in the quote above from the English poet Robert Herrick. But, tears also play a special role in maintaining good eye health.
Tears keep the eyes moist, wash out dust and debris and contain many essential elements that prevent evaporation. When the eyes do not produce enough tears you can develop tear instability and dry eyes, a condition commonely known as Dry Eye Syndrome. This can occur as part of the natural aging process, as a side effect of certain medications, long tern contact lens use, as a symptom of a systemic disease or due to weather conditions where you live and work.
Common symptoms of dry eyes are persistent dryness, scratchiness, a burning sensation, redness and a sensation that something is in your eye. Beacuse dry eyes can be caused by many different things your eye care professional, after examination, will determine how best to treat dry eyes from the variety of treatment options available. Lubricating eye drops is a treatment method commonly prescribed to alleviate dry eye symptoms.
It has been reported that nearly half of the adult population in America experience dry eye symptoms but many fail to seek help from a professional eye care practioner. Dry Eye Syndrome can be a chronic and progressive condition. Seeking advice and help from an eye care professional, if you experience dry eye symptoms, will help you safely manage and maintain good eye health.