Crying is a natural response to many situations, but a common eye problem is preventing many of us from shedding tears. Over the age of 65, it runs even higher, about 15 percent. Pflugfelder, with a grant from the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health, is currently involved in several research projects targeting tears. Perhaps the most exciting phase is 'cell therapy,' where we take cells, grow them in the laboratory and actually transplant them on the surface of the eye to stimulate tear production. When tear glands shut down, the eye surface becomes inflamed.
Symptoms range from mild irritation to near blindness.
In some cases, the dryness is so severe that ulcers form or cloudiness appears on the cornea, distorting vision. Without this fluid, the eye is left unprotected. A number of factors cause the tear glands to slow or even halt production. For many, air-conditioning can dry out the eyes. Medications such as antihistamines and some anti-depressants can do the same.