DRY EYE SYNDROME

What is dry eye syndrome?

The eye depends on the flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. Tears are a combination of water (for moisture), oils (for lubrication), mucus (for even spreading), and antibiotics and special proteins (for resistance to infection). These components are secreted by special glands located around the eye. When there is an imbalance in this tear system, a person may experience the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

When tears do not adequately lubricate the eye, a person may experience:

• Pain
• Light sensitivity
• A gritty sensation
• A feeling of a foreign body or sand in the eye
• Itching
• Redness
• Blurred vision
• Watering or tearing

Paradoxically, a person with dry eye syndrome will have excess tears running down the cheeks. This “reflex tearing” actually occurs when the eye is not receiving sufficient lubrication. The eye sends a distress signal through the nervous system for more lubrication and, in response, the eye is flooded with reflex tears to try to compensate for the underlying dryness. These tears, however, are composed mostly of water and do not have the lubricating qualities or the rich composition of normal tears. They will wash away debris, but they will not coat the eye surface properly.

What causes dry eye syndrome?

In addition to a decrease in the production of lubricating tears by the tear glands, dry eye syndrome can be caused by the drying out of the tear film. This can be due to air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. Other conditions that may cause dry eye syndrome are:

• The natural aging process
• Side effects of certain medications, such as antihistamines, and medications that treat high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol
• Diseases that affect the ability to make tears, such as rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases
• Structural problems that prevent the eyes from closing properly
• Blocked meibomian glands that secrete the natural oils needed for proper lubrication in the tear film

How common is dry eye syndrome?

“Dry eye” is an extremely common eye condition, with incidence and symptoms that increase with age. In the United States, approximately six million women and three million men experience moderate or severe dry eye symptoms, and scientists estimate that an additional 20 to 30 million people in this country have mild cases of dry eye. Diabetes is the number one systemic disease implicated in dry eye.

How is dry eye syndrome treated?

Although dry eye syndrome cannot be cured, there are a number of steps that can be taken to treat them. We specialize in treating dry eye syndrome. We will discuss your options with you and individualize your dry eye therapy.

Treatment options include the following:

Artificial tear drops and ointments

The use of over-the-counter artificial tear eyedrops is the primary treatment for dry eye syndrome. We offer many samples of artificial tears for you to try, because no one brand works for everyone and you might have to try more than one to find the drop that works best for you. Some artificial tear brands contain more preservatives than others, and an individual may find these preservatives irritating. Preservative-free artificial tears are available and may be less irritating. If you have chronic dry eye, it is important to use the drops even when your eyes feel fine, to keep them lubricated. If your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an ointment or gel, at bedtime.

Temporary tear savers

Tear savers are small plugs placed in the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. They help to “save” or “conserve” the eye’s natural tears to maintain lubrication, so tears do not drain too quickly. Temporary collagen tear savers are easily placed in the tear ducts via a painless procedure. The various type of tear savers available can last from one week to several months. Your doctor may place these temporary plugs to determine whether permanent plugs can provide an adequate supply of tears.

 

 

Ready to make an appointment?