Anatomy
This three-layered film, consisting of oil, water, and mucus, is essential for a healthy eye surface.
What is the tear film?
The sensation of having a foreign object, like sand or grit, in the eye is a classic symptom of this condition.
What is dry eye?
Often the first line of treatment for mild dry eye, these over-the-counter drops mimic natural tears.
What are artificial tears?
Hormonal changes, especially during pregnancy or this life stage, make women more susceptible to dry eye.
What is menopause?
This microscopic mite is commonly found in the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of human eyelids.
What is demodex mite?
This type of dry eye is caused by the meibomian glands not producing enough oil to keep tears from evaporating too quickly.
What is evaporative dry eye?
Surprisingly, a main symptom of dry eye can be this, as the eyes try to compensate for the irritation.
What is excessive watering or tearing?
For more severe cases, doctors may insert these tiny plugs into the tear ducts to keep tears from draining away too quickly.
What are punctal plugs?
This acne medication, a derivative of Vitamin A, is known to severely dry out mucous membranes, including the eyes.
What is isotretinoin (Accutane)?
This simple at-home practice helps to melt and express blockages from the meibomian glands.
What is a warm compress?
This term refers to the glands located along the eyelid that secrete the oily layer of the tear film.
What are meibomian glands?
This common daily activity, especially when done for long periods, can decrease your blink rate and worsen dry eye symptoms.
What is using a computer or other digital screen?
This diagnostic test is used to detect specific inflammatory mediators on the surface of the eye.
What is Inflammadry?
People over this age are at a higher risk of dry eye due to a natural decrease in tear production.
What is 50?
An okra based highly concentrated eyelid gel specifically designed to help treat demodex.
What is ZocuShield?
A medical term for dry eye, often used in clinical settings, is keratoconjunctivitis _____.
What is sicca?
When tears don't properly lubricate the eye, it can lead to this type of vision, which often improves for a moment after blinking.
What is fluctuating vision?
Approved in 2023, this eye drop with the brand name Miebo is the first and only one to directly target tear evaporation by mimicking what layer of the tear film?
What is the lipid layer?
This autoimmune disease that affects the joints can also cause inflammation in the body, leading to dry eyes as a related symptom.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
This simple practice, often done without thinking while staring at a screen, can decrease from 17 times per minute to as few as 5.
What is blinking?
What type of equipment allows us to image the meibomian glands?
What is meibographer or Lipiscan?
Fluorescein dye is a helpful diagnostic tool that helps highlight areas of epithelial damage on the cornea. In dry eye, it often reveals tiny, dot-like lesions which are commonly referred to as SPK which stands for what?
What are superficial punctate keratitis?
This safe, long term class of medications is used in prescription eye drops to reduce inflammation on the eye's surface
What are cyclosporine or anti-inflammatory drugs?
This autoimmune disease, characterized by dry eyes and a dry mouth, is a common systemic cause of dry eye.
What is Sjögren's syndrome?
An antimicrobial spray, such as Avenova, is used to help treat blepharitis has this as its active ingredient.
What is 0.01% pure hypochlorous acid?