Lack of Eye Gland Education Can Cause Dry Eye Warns Water and Eye Researcher
Grants Pass, OR (PRWEB) October 22, 2013 -- People seldom pay attention to the tiny glands around their eyes but when not functioning properly, these glands can cause numerous eye problems, including dry eye, reports Sharon Kleyne. The water and health researcher also offered suggestions for maintaining eye gland health. Eye glands include the lachrymal or tear glands located in the upper corners of the eyes, and the tiny lipid or oil producing meibomian glands located in the eyelids. Kleyne’s statements were prompted by a recent news report regarding successful bioengineered tear gland regeneration in mice.
Sharon Kleyne is Founder of Bio Logic Aqua Research, a water and health research and product development center. Natures Tears® EyeMist® is the company’s global signature product for dry eyes and dry eyelids. Kleyne also hosts the globally syndicated Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water® radio show on VoiceAmerica and Apple iTunes.
The tear gland regeneration was conducted by Dr. Takashi Tsuji at Tokyo University of Science (http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/10/131002102313.htm).
According to Kleyne, the single most common category of complaints heard by United States eye doctors are symptoms related to dry eye syndrome such as itching, burning or frequently tired eyes, occasionally blurred vision, or headaches, watery eyes and eye allergies. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to considerable discomfort, chronic dry eye, impaired vision and even blindness.
Dry eye complaints, says Kleyne, usually indicate either insufficient water in the eyes’ basal tear film or insufficient lipid production. For optimal vision health, the tear film covering the eyes’ surface must be maintained at 98% water. Lipids from the meibomian glands prevent tear film water from evaporating.
Illness, eye allergies, physical dehydration or environmental conditions such as dry or polluted air or humidity, Kleyne explains, can dehydrate the eyes and the body. This eventually leads to impaired lachrymal glands, a major cause of dry eye. In addition, dry facial skin, especially dry, flaky or inflamed eyelids, can cause the meibomian glands to not function properly, also leading to dry eye symptoms.
According to Kleyne, tear producing lachrymal glands sit next to and above the eyeball. Nerves controlling lachrymal glands are more complex than those controlling meibomian glands. The emotional drive for tearing is mediated through the seventh cranial nerve. The lachrymal gland contains estrogen, prolactin, androgen, insulin and other hormone receptors.
Tears produced by lachrymal glands, Klyene notes, consist of water, salt (electrolyte), protein, antibodies, growth factors and enzymes. All are essential to the health of the epithelium, the clear membrane covering the white of the eye, called the "sclera," and the clear part of the eye, called the "cornea."
Meibomian glands, says Kleyne, resemble elongated grape clusters. Glands express oil into a central duct that discharges onto the eyelid margin. Ducts can undergo keratinization (hardening) when surrounding tissue is inflamed, thereby blocking the duct. Keratinization can occur due to both chronic obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction and bacterial blepharitis (eyelid inflammation).
To optimize eye gland health, Sharon Kleyne recommends drinking at least eight glasses of pure water each day, in addition to all other fluids, and making a concerted effort to keep the eye surface and the facial skin fully moisturized and humidified with pure water.
According to Kleyne, Nature’s Tears® EyeMist® from Bio-Logic Aqua Research, quickly supplements lost moisture in the tear film, eyelid and facial skin.
By keeping eyes and eye glands healthy, Kleyne concludes, you will most likely never have to concern yourself with regenerated bio-engineered tear glands.
Mikaylah Roggasch, Bio Logic Aqua Research-Rogue Media, +1 (800) 367-6478, [email protected]
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