Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the eyes front surface to provide clear vision. It provides lubrication, reduces the risk of infection, washes away foreign matter in the eye, and keeps the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. The lack of tears, or more commonly known as DRY EYES, may give you the following sensation:

• Dry, gritty/scratchy, or filmy feeling in the eyes
• Burning or itching in the eyes
• Redness of the eyes
• Blurred vision
• A sensation of having a foreign body in the eyes
• Light sensitivity

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people, women more often than men. It is often a chronic problem that particularly affects older adults. Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and oral contraceptives, may decrease tear production. Other factors include reading, watching TV, or performing a task that requires close attention with your eyes for example staring at a computer screen such that you do not blink as often. This decreased blinking allows excessive evaporation of the tears.

So how can you prevent DRY EYES?

• Remember to blink regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen for long periods of time.
• Increasing the level of humidity in the air at work and at home.
• Wearing sunglasses outdoors, particularly those with wrap around frame design, to reduce exposure to drying winds and sun.
• Avoiding becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of
  water (8 to 10 glasses) each day.

• Issue 1 – April to June 2011
• Issue 2 – July to September 2011
• Issue 3 – October to December 2011