Tears are a complex mixture that helps lubricate and protect the eyes. When the eyes are not properly lubricated due to conditions like dry eye, excess tears may run down the cheeks as the eyes attempt to compensate for the lack of moisture. However, these tears are mostly water and do not have the same rich composition as normal tears, so they do not properly coat the eyes. Dry eye can be caused by problems with the tear film layers, decreased tear production due to various medical conditions or aging, eyelid issues that impair blinking, certain medications, and environmental factors like wind and computer use. Symptoms of dry eye include pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Treatments include artificial tears, punctal plugs to

3. • Tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty
oils, and mucus.
• This mixture helps make the surface of
your eyes smooth and clear, and it helps
protect your eyes from infection.

4. Sometimes, a person with a dry eye will have excess tears
running down the cheeks, which may seem confusing.
This happens when the eye isn't getting enough lubrication.
The eye sends a distress signal through the nervous
system for more lubrication. In response, the eye is flooded
with tears to try to compensate for the underlying dryness.
However, these tears are mostly water and do not have the
lubricating qualities or the rich composition of normal tears.
They will wash debris away, but they will not coat the eye
surface properly.

7. 1- Poor tear quality
The tear film has three basic layers: oil, water and mucus.
Problems or imbalance with any of these layers can cause dry
eyes symptoms.
2- Decreased tear production as in
•People older than 50 .
•Postmenopausal woman .
•Have a medical condition that reduces your tear production
such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma,
thyroid disorders and vitamin A deficiency.
•Have had laser eye surgery ( LASIK ).
•Have tear gland damage as from inflammation or radiation

8. 3- Eyelid problems
Blinking spreads a continuous thin film of tears across the
surface of your eyes.
If you have an eyelid problem that makes it difficult to
blink, tears may not be spread across your eye
adequately or your tears may evaporate too quickly,
causing dry eyes.
Eyelid problems can include an out-turning of the lids or
an in-turning of the lids .

9. 4- Medications that cause dry eyes
•Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure (BETA
blockers )
•Antihistamines and decongestants
•Hormone replacement therapy
•Certain antidepressants
•Isotretinoin-type drugs for treatment of acne

10. 5- Additional causes
•Wind
•Dry air
•Tasks that require enough concentration that you blink
less often, such as working at a computer, driving or
reading

12. When tears do not adequately lubricate the eye, a
person may experience:
• Pain
• Light sensitivity
• gritty sensation
• feeling of a foreign body or sand in the eye
• Itching
•Eye fatigue
• Redness
• Blurring of vision

15. • Artificial tear drops and ointments
• Temporary punctal occlusion
• Non-dissolving punctal plugs and punctal
• occlusion by cautery (application of heat to tear
exit duct).
• There is growing evidence that increasing the
oral intake of fish oil and omega-3 via diet or
supplement is very helpful to those suffering with
dry eye.

16. THANK YOU