Dry Eye Disease
Dry Eye Disease Affects Over 340 Million People Worldwide
Dry eye disease (DED) is a common condition that occurs when there is a lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. With an estimated 340 million people suffering from dry eye globally, eye care professionals and patients alike need the best dry eye syndrome treatment solutions available to manage the discomforting symptoms and protect the surface of the eye from damage that can potentially result in visual impairment.
I-MED Pharma USA is a leader in dry eye diagnosis and management, offering ophthalmologists, optometrists, and the global eye care community the products and solutions required to manage dry eye disease. The key to effective dry eye management is to first understand the underlying cause of the experienced symptoms. From there, the right dry eye products and solutions can be selected to help manage discomforting symptoms and offer the patient long-lasting relief.
What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease is an ocular surface disease that occurs when natural tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. Tears are vital to the overall health of the eyes. With each blink, a protective coating of tears is spread like a film over the front of the eyes. However, when there is an inadequacy or imbalance of tears, dry eyes are often the result.
Tear imbalances are most commonly caused by blockages in the meibomian glands in the eyelids. These small glands produce essential oils that form the top layer of the tear film and are the essential protective element that is crucial to long-term eye comfort and health. Blocked meibomian glands can compromise the effectiveness of the tear film, exposing the eye’s surface and increasing the chances of experiencing the many discomforting symptoms of dry eye.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Disease
- A stinging, burning, or scratching sensation in the eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Fatigued, sore, or heavy eyes
The Relationship Between the Tear Film and Dry Eyes
An adequate and consistent layer of tears on the surface of the eye is essential to keeping eyes healthy, comfortable, and seeing well. Tears clear the eye’s surface to keep it moist and wash away dust, debris, and microorganisms that could damage the cornea and lead to an eye infection or other complications.
A normal tear film consists of a complex structure of mucin, tears, and oil that provides adequate eye surface protection. An issue with any of these 3 layers of the tear film can result in tear instability and dry eyes. Understanding the tear film is essential to understanding the link between tear deficiency and dry eye symptoms.
