Lacrimal Gland, Tear Film & Dry Eye Syndromes

AllAboutVision.com describes dry eye syndrome as a lack of tear production in the eye. When the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough tear film, you can experience dry, irritated eyes. A variety of medications and ointments can provide relief from this condition.

Lacrimal Gland

• MedicineNet.com defines the lacrimal gland as a small gland near the eyeball that produces tears. The lacrimal glands then release the tears to wash, moisturize and protect the eye. According to the Mayo Clinic, excess tears slide down tiny openings in the eyelids called puncta. From there, the tears move down eyelid canals known as canaliculi, finally draining into the nasal cavities.

Tear Film

• According to the eye treatment company Restasis, tear film consists of a thin coating of tears that cover the surface of the eye to protect it from harm. The tears spread across the eye in layers of mucin, salt water and lipids. The mucin layer on the eye surface creates a bond between the salt water and the eye itself while protecting against dirt and bacteria. The watery layer resting on top of the mucin layer contains substances that ward off infections. The lipid layer, a collection of fats and oils floating on the surface, keeps your eyelids from irritating your eyes while ensuring a smooth, even coating of tear film.

Dry Eyes

• Since dry eye "syndrome" merely describes ongoing dryness of the eyes rather than a specific disease, many factors can cause the condition. Hormones such as estrogen can cause extreme variations, with pregnant women making more tears and menopausal women making fewer tears. Some antidepressants, antihistamines or other drugs can make eyes dry. People who go long periods of time without blinking, either because of intense reading or a medical condition that makes blinking difficult, may find that their eyes dry out more readily than usual.

Treatment

• Artificial tears allow you to put a few drops of protective tear solution into the eye as needed. These over-the-counter products come in varying thicknesses to suit individual preferences. Ointments can protect people with more severe or chronic dry eyes, especially if they have trouble keeping their eyelids closed tight. Antibiotics and other prescribed remedies can correct chemical imbalances in the tear film. In extreme cases, patients may opt to have their tear ducts plugged to retain eye moisture.

Considerations

• Dry eyes can mean serious problems. Restasis warns that if the condition goes untreated, it can cause damage to eye tissues, including the cornea, resulting in impaired vision. Dry eye syndrome can also leave the eyes exposed to agents that can cause infections. Chronic irritation can also cause the eyes to respond with what the Mayo Clinic calls "reflex tears." These tears consist mostly of water, and since they lack the right balance of mucin and lipids, they fail to soothe the dryness.