Blinking is Key

Did you know that blinking helps prevent dry eyes?

The most frequent complaint to eye doctors is dry eyes, known as aqueous insufficiency, meibomian gland dysfunction, or dry eye syndrome. Twenty-five percent of patients who visit ophthalmic clinics report symptoms of dry eye, making it a growing public health problem and one of the most common conditions seen by eye care practitioners.¹

As we age we are more likely to experience dry eye: 2.7% in people aged 18-34, but 18.6% over 75 years old.  Women are twice as likely to suffer from dry eye as men. 

Symptoms typically include irritation, dryness, burning, grittiness, difficulty reading for long periods of time, and, even though it may seem contradictory, excessive watering or tearing as the eyes attempt to solve the problem.

Anatomy of our tears

The moisture-laden surface of the eye contains three interrelated layers known as the tear film. Stable continuity of that surface and the production of tears rely on the function of these three layers, which need to be produced in proper balanced amounts by the body to avoid dry eye syndrome:

1. 1. 1. Mucous layer. The innermost layer of the surface of the eye is a mucous layer that forms the bulk of the tears and contains electrolytes, a variety of proteins, and water. It also has some anti-microbial properties.
      2. Aqueous layer. On top, on the outside of the mucous layer, is a mildly alkaline aqueous layer (watery) comprising up to 90% of the thickness of the tear film.
      3. Meibum layer. Outside the watery layer is an oily lipid layer that slows the evaporation of the tear film. This thin layer is made up of meibum, produced by the meibomian gland.