None — BACKGROUND: The human eye is made up of many layers and films that are meant to coat the eye. According to emedicinehealth, dry eye syndrome (DES) is a disorder of the tear film, affecting many of those aged 40 years or older. Dry eye syndrome can occur if you don't have sufficient tears or if your tear composition is not correct. It is estimated that twenty-five to thirty million people in the United States suffer from dry eye syndrome every year. Furthermore, more women experience dry eye syndrome than men.
CAUSES: Dry eye syndrome results in either decreased tear production and/or excessive tear evaporation, usually caused by mucus found in the tear level (s). If the eyes are not producing as many tears as once before, this could be a result of old age, hormones, or autoimmune diseases such as: lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Antihistamines and antidepressants are good treatments that decrease the level of tear production your body makes. While doing simple tasks such as reading and watching TV, you do not blink as often, thus leaving time for your eyes to dry out and lack moisture. Furthermore, if there is an infection along the eye or eyelids, bacteria may settle in and dry eye syndrome may occur. (Source: emedicinehealth)
SYMPTOMS: Although dry eye syndrome is common, emedicinehelth says many people do not know what signs and symptoms to look out for. Here are just a few:
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Burning or itching of the eyes
• A feeling like you have a foreign body in your eyes
• Dry/gritty feelings in the eyes
A CLEAR SOLUTION: Researchers have discovered a new way to treat dry eye syndrome -- a contact lens that is custom made with or without a prescriptive need for the contacts. These new lenses are filled with fluid. The lens covers the cornea of the eye and stops at the white part of the eye. The part that covers the cornea is filled with a sterile saline solution that helps protect the eye and cushion the cornea, almost like a protective, liquid bandage.