Saliva Glands Used To Cure Dry Eye Syndrome
A medical trial is underway in Sao Paulo, where doctors are looking at a new way to cure keratoconjunctivitis sicca, more commonly known as dry eye syndrome.
Dry eye syndrome is caused when the eye doesn’t produce enough tear film – a protective layer of water, fats, proteins and infection-fighting cells, which lubricates the eye and protects it from dust and infections. Without tear film, eyes can dry out, and become enflamed and sore. Vision can become blurred and in extreme cases, ulcers can start to form on the cornea.
Dry eye syndrome affects many people
According to the NHS, 1 in 13 people in their fifties are affected by dry eye syndrome, along with a third of all those over 65.
Now medical professionals in Brazil are looking at new ways to combat the irritating disorder. Saliva glands are taken from the mouth and transferred into the eye.
There are six walnut-sized saliva glands just under the jaw. The procedure involves removing one of these glands along with some of the arteries and veins that keep the gland nourished with blood and oxygen.
The gland is then implanted near the outer corner of the eye, close to the temple, where the tear glands are located. The saliva gland duct is routed to the edge of the upper eyelid, along the same path as the tear ducts.
Saliva has many similarities to tear film, though it has a different consistency and contains food digestion. The possibility of any side effects from adding these enzymes to eyes is not yet known.
The operation can take up to six hours and early results have shown that fluid starts to flow within 30 minutes of reconnecting the blood supply to the gland. One patient has reduced the amount of artificial tears they require per day from almost 70 vials to just one or two. Three patients were able to moisten their own eyes by pressing their temples to release lubricating fluid.
Successful trials have taken place around the world
19 people in total have taken part in the study in Sao Paulo. There have also been similar studies carried out in Italy, Germany and the United States, all with encouraging results. If no later side effects are discovered, then keratoconjunctivitis sicca may well become a thing of the past, and not too many people will shed a tear over that.
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