A Critical review on Dry Eye Syndrome and its Ayurvedic Approach

To  help  keep  your  eyes  comfortable  and  your  vision  optimal,  a  normal,  thin  film  of  tears  coats  your  eyes.  Three  main  layers  make  up  this  tear  film:The  innermost  layer  is  th e thinnest . It  is  a  layer  of  mucin  (or  mucus )  layer  of  mucus  is  produced  by  the  cells  in  the  conjunctiva  (The  mucus  helps  the overlying  watery  layer  to  spread  evenly  over  the  eye . The  middle  (or  aqueous)  layer  is the  largest  and  the  thickest . This  layer  is  essentially  a  very  dilute  saltwater  solution.  The lacrimal  glands  under  the  upper lids  and  the  accessory  tear  glands  produce  this  watery  layer.  This  layer's  function  is  to  keep  the  eye  moist  and  comfortable,  as  well  as  to  help flush  out  any  dust , debris,  or  foreign  objects  that  may  get  into  the  eye.  The  most  superficial  layer  is  a  very  thin  layer  of  lipids (fats  or  oils).  These  lipids  are  produced  by  the  Meibomian  glands  and  the  glands  of  Zeis (oil  glands  in  the  eyelids).  The  main  function  of  this  lipid  layer  is  to  help  decrease evaporation  of  the  watery  layer  beneath  it.  Dry  eye  syndrome  (DES)  is  a  common disorder  of  the  tear  film , affecting  a  significant  percentage  of  the  population , especially those  older  than  40  years  of  age.  DES  can  affect  any  race  and  is  more  common  in  women  than  in  men.  Dry Eye Syndrome is more prevalent in Metro-cities. Research shows that cities with high levels of air pollution have an increased risk of dry eye syndrome.Dry Eye Syndrome is high among computer users. More that 75% of people, who routinely use a computer at work may suffer from dry eye syndrome. The symptoms of dry eye i.e. dryness, irritation, foreign body sensation, redness etc. are similar to that of Shushkakshipak. Thus Shushkakshipak can be correlated with dry eye syndrom