New Dry Eye Discovery Reveals Need to Protect Eyelids Reports Water and Health Researcher
Grants Pass, OR (PRWEB) October 08, 2013 -- Several recent news articles have reported a new therapy for evaporative dry eye syndrome involving the tiny meibomian glands located n the eyelids. To water and health researcher and radio commentator Sharon Kleyne, the reported success of this new therapy underscores her long-held contention that dry eyelids are too frequently overlooked as a component of dry eye disease.
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 eye and dry facial skin. As part of an ongoing commitment to educating the public about water and health, Kleyne hosts the globally syndicated Sharon Kleyne Hour Power of Water® radio show on VoiceAmerica and Apple iTunes.
According to Kleyne, dry eye complaints are caused by a loss of water in the all-important “aqueous layer” of the basal tear film overlying the eye. The tear film is 98% water. Tear film water may be lost either to excessive evaporation or insufficient production by the tear glands. Excessive tear film evaporation, in turn, may result from dry air, polluted air and/or dysfunction of the oil-producing meibomian glands located in the eyelids. Meibomian glands produce lipids, or oils, which cover the “aqueous layer” and help slow evaporation.
The new therapy reportedly unblocks clogged meibomian gland ducts through a gentle heat treatment. The therapy has reportedly proved successful when meibomian gland dysfunction is a contributing factor in the dry eye condition.
Sharon Kleyne’s own research has discovered that dry eye is more environmentally based than most researchers realize. Dry air and air pollution significantly increase the rate of water evaporation from the tear film (certain common pollutants, such as soot and sulfur dioxide, have the ability to attract water). According to Kleyne, when water evaporates out of the tear film as a result of environmental conditions, it simultaneously evaporates out of the eyelid skin, causing the eyelids to become dry, inflamed and flaky. Inflammation of the eyelids is called ”blepharitis.”
Dry and inflamed eyelids almost certainly affect the meibomian glands within the eyelids, says Kleyne. She has long been concerned that most standard dry eye treatments do not rehydrate dry eyelids and that untreated dry eyelids can create a vicious circle in which the complaints continue to recur.
The best way to soothe and hydrate dry eyelids, according to Kleyne, is the application of a pure water mist followed by a gentle moisture sealing lotion.
Mikaylah Roggasch, Bio Logic Aqua Research-Rogue Media, +1 (800) 367-6478, [email protected]
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