Dry eye syndrome is a condition caused by loss of water from the tear film. When the tear film loses water the concentration of salts and proteins, relative to the amount of water, increases--the tear film concentration increases. When tear film concentration increases scientists say that its "osmolarity" increases. This increase in tear film osmolarity causes the characteristic irritation and changes on the eye surface known as dry eye syndrome.

Jeffrey Gilbard, MD, conducting research sponsored by the National Eye Institute, has proven that dry eye is caused by any condition that increases tear film evaporation, or by any condition that decreases tear production. These conditions, in turn, may be caused by a dietary deficiency of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Evaporation can increase from chronic eye lid inflammation or "blepharitis," specifically posterior blepharitis or meibomitis.

Dry eye syndrome does not truly come and go, but in the early stages of the condition, or with mild dry eye, you may only have symptoms after long days, or with environmental conditions that decrease your blink rate (i.e. computer use) or under conditions that increase evaporation from your tear film (i.e. wind, dry air, etc.). Some patients may notice discomfort only when they wear their contact lenses.

While eye drops can give temporary relief from the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome, studies have shown that increased consumption of foods rich in Omega-3 acids can reduce various forms of eye inflammation (blepharitis, tear gland, etc.) that can cause Dry Eye Syndrome. These fatty acids are also used by the glands in the eyelid to create a healthy layer of oil in the tear film that help to keep the eye hydrated.

Symptoms vary greatly. Some symptoms, such as watery eyes, are surprising. Some of the most common symptoms experienced by dry eye patients:

There are several reasons chronic dry eye can lead to clinical depression. Dry eye patients need to be on the alert, understand why they may be susceptible to depression and why this is normal, and speak with both their eye doctor and their GP about their concerns. First, the pain can be constant and severe. Most people who have never had dry eye or a serious eye injury have no conception how much pain the eyes are capable of producing. It can drive one to distraction.

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Symptoms include: feeling of dryness and/or not enough tears, the need to blink constantly, itching and/or burning, irritation and/or pain, foreign body sensation (“sand in the eye”), sensitivity to light, blurred vision, lack of tears alternating with excessive tearing, difficulty opening the eyes after sleeping and tendency of contact lenses to “stick.

Symptoms vary but in general, persons with dry eye may experience burning in the eyes, scratchiness, itching, intermitant blurring, or a general feeling of something in the eye.

Dry eye is a catch-all term referring to abnormalities of the tear layer which normally coats the surfaces of the eyes, providing clear vision and protecting sensitive surface tissues. Other names for dry eye include dry eye syndrome, chronic dry eye, dry eye disease, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Dry eye does not mean your eyes are "dry" - in fact, many people who suffer from dry eye have chronically watery eyes. (Click here for more about dry eye symptoms.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a condition suffered buy one in five people. The symptoms of IBS can be mild, but more severe symptoms can limit your ability to function normally. Abdominal pain after eating and irregular bowel habits are the most common symptoms. Treatments are designed to relieve the symptoms and a colon cleanse can help during periods of constipation.

Many Sjogren's patients have reported significient dry eye and dry mouth relief with BioTears Oral GelCaps. BioTears are designed to stimulate systemic production of the anti-inflammatory series of prostaglandins, specifically the PGE1 series, which address the mucosal tissue T and B cell inflammatory loop frequently associated with auto-immune disorders.

Your eye doctor can recommend the best treatments for your specific dry eye symptoms. Therapies recommended by the Eye Advisory include replacing moisture, reducing inflammation, improving your environment, and evaluating your drugs and diets. For example: Treat associated problems, such as conditions like bletharitis (inflammation of the eyelid), which can contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Artificial tears have been the mainstay of dry eye treatment. Until recently, these used to be recommended like cigarette brands--doctors would hand out whatever they had in the sample closet, and patients would pick their brand. Patients would find that no matter how long or how frequently they used these drops their eyes would still be dry. Fortunately, Jeffrey Gilbard, MD, working at Harvard Medical School's Schepens Eye Research Institute, has developed an eye drop call TheraTears.

There are many different causes of the conditions collectively referred to as dry eye syndrome, including:

Carcinoid syndrome requires one or more of the following for laboratory confirmation of the diagnosis: increased blood serotonin with decreased blood tryptophan, increased chromogranin A and increased urine 5HIAA or indole-3-acetic acid . In spite of the symptoms, if these criteria are not present, carcinoid syndrome is not the diagnosis.

Each individual may experience symptoms differently. Besides high fluid pressure in the skull, which occurs in about 10 percent of patients, another symptom is a chronically runny nose. The symptoms of empty sella syndrome may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.