|
| WHAT IS DRY EYE? |
|
Dry Eye is a collection of symptoms that make up an eye condition
that stems from an imbalance in the quantity or quality of
tears bathing the eye. These symptoms include dry, red, gritty,
and even watery eyes. Often, Dry Eye sufferers report the
feeling of something foreign within the eye or eyestrain.
Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eye comfortable.
|
|
| The
balance of tear production and tear loss [through drainage
and evaporation] maintains the moisture level in the eyes.
When this balance is not sustained, dry spots appear on the
surface of the eye and cause irritation. |
|
| A
healthy eye constantly produces tears that lubricate. Excessive
tears occur when a foreign body irritates the eye or when
a person cries. |
|
| WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS
OF DRY EYE? |
| The
usual symptoms include:
a. Stinging or burning eyes
b. Scratchiness
c. Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
d. Eye irritation from smoke or wind
e. Excess tearing
f. Difficulty wearing contact lenses |
|
| When
the eye is irritated, the lacrimal gland produces a large
volume of tears which overwhelms the tear drainage system.
These excess tears then overflow from your eye. |
|
| WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE
SYNDROME? |
|
Many different things cause dry eye syndrome. The normal aging
of tear glands, as well as specific diseases and disorders,
may cause changes in the amount and condition of tears produced.
|
|
| Decreased
sensitivity of the cornea can also lead to insufficient production
of tears. Some types of contact lens wear can bring on this
lack of sensitivity. |
|
| Excessive
evaporation of tears can also cause dry eye syndrome. Such
evaporation may be caused by meibomitis, which results from
infection and inflammation of the meibomian glands in the
eyelids. People with unusually large eyes, as well as those
who suffer from thyroid disease, may also experience dry eye
syndrome caused by excessive evaporation. |
|
|  Dry
eye can also result from unusual facial anatomy or irregularities
in the cornea, resulting in uneven or inadequate tear coverage
of the eye. Some patients suffer from dry eye as a result
of medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines, diuretics,
and anti-diarrheals, which can dry up the mucous membranes.
Hormonal changes can also affect secretions from the tear
glands. Since these medications are often necessary, the dry
eye condition may have to be tolerated or treated with "artificial
tears."
|
|
| People
with dry eye are often more prone to the toxic side effects
of eye medications, including artificial tears. Special preservative-free
artificial tears may be required. |
|
| WHAT IS THE TEAR FILM? |
|
Tears bathe and lubricate the eyes. Each time you blink, a
new tear layer forms over the front surface of your eye. |
|
| HOW IS DRY EYE DIAGNOSED? |
|
We are able to diagnose dry eye by examining the eyes. Sometimes
tests that measure tear production may be necessary. One test,
called the Schirmer tear test, involves placing filter-paper
strips under the lower eyelids to measure the rate of tear
production under various conditions. Another uses a diagnostic
dye (fluorescein or Rose Bengal) to look for certain staining
patterns. |
|
| HOW ARE DRY EYES TREATED? |
|
Depending on the causes, Dry Eye Syndrome can be treated as
a temporary problem or a lifelong disease requiring long-term
treatment. Either way, tears must be conserved or replaced
in order to provide relief. |
|
| Adding tears |
|
Artificial tears are probably the most common forms of treatment
for Dry Eye Syndrome. These Eye drops are similar to your
own tears. They lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture.
Preservative-free eye drops are available if you are sensitive
to the preservatives in artificial tears. |
|
| Conserving the tears
with Punctal Occlusion |
| 
In cases of persistent Dry Eye symptoms, permanent, reversible
closure of the tear duct or punctal occlusion may be the best
solution. Punctal occlusion allows you to retain your own,
natural tears without the bother or expense of constantly
replacing the tear film with artificial tears.
Tears drain out of the eye through a small channel into the
nose. We may close these channels either temporarily or permanently.
The closure conserves your own tears and makes artificial
tears last longer.
|
|
|
A person with dry eye should avoid anything that may cause
dryness, such as an overly warm room, hair dryers, wind or
a direct fan / air conditioner draft. Smoking is especially
bothersome. |
|
|
Some people with dry eye complain of "scratchy eyes" when
they wake up. Using an artificial tear ointment at bedtime
can treat this symptom. |
|
| WHAT ARE THE WARNING
SIGNS AND HOW IS IT DETECTED? |
| Early
signs of dry eye are:
1. An occasional burning sensation in the eyes
when in areas of low humidity or high pollution.
2. A gritty sensation in the eyes, which is persistent
and painful.
3. Decreased tolerance of contact lenses.
4. In extreme cases of dry eye, patients may
become unusually sensitive to light, experience severe eye
pain, or notice diminished vision. |
|
| If
early signs persist, make an appointment with us. We need
to check for corneal abrasion or infection and begin treatment.
Have annual eye exams. |
|
|
|
