What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
“Dry eye” it is a common eye syndrome that affects a significant part of the population. Females over the age of 40 have the greatest chance of acquiring Dry Eye Syndrome; contact lens users are also commonly diagnosed with dry eyes.
Dry eye syndrome is a result of dry spots on the tear film, which is the layer of liquids (tears) that coats and protects our eyes. The tear film is comprised of water, mucous, and fat and serves to keep the surface of our eyes smooth, clear, and clean of foreign particles. When dry spots occur on the tear film, it can be unpleasant and potentially damaging to eyes.
Though there is no cure for dry eye, doctors can employ many methods of effective treatment. It is easily possible to live a comfortable and convenient life with dry eye syndrome, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call our office for a dry eye exam.
Though there is no cure for dry eye, doctors can employ many methods of effective treatment. It is easily possible to live a comfortable and convenient life with Dry Eyes Syndrome, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, call our office for a dry eye exam.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Having dry eyes could cause the following symptoms:
- Gritty/scratchy sensations
- Burning sensations
- Itchiness
- Red eyes (redness of the eye)
- Blurry/blurred vision
- Foreign body sensation, the feeling of something stuck in your eye
- Light sensitivity (pain or irritation from bright lights)
- Excessive tearing of the eyes without relief (eyes are overflowing with tears)
Diagnosing Dry Eyes
Our eye doctors, ophthalmologists, may perform the following tests when examining your eyes.
- Examining the front of the eye using a special microscope, called a slit lamp.
- A Schirmer test, where a thin piece of paper will be placed just inside the lower eyelid for one minute. Then the wetness of the paper will be measured.
- Inspecting the amount and thickness of the tear film.
- Assessing the stability of the tear film by checking the tear breakup time.
- Checking the conjunctiva, another layer covering the eyelids and the white parts of your eyes, to determine if it is too dry.
- Using a special dye in the form of a drop to check the cornea, the outermost lens of your eye, to see if it has dried out or become damaged.
After a thorough analysis, our ophthalmologist can determine whether you have dry eye syndrome or not, and proceed to administer proper treatment.
Treatment of Dry Eyes
As mentioned before, there are many different symptoms and different levels of severity in dry eyes. The earlier that dry eye syndrome can be diagnosed in a patient; the better chances they have of maintaining their vision to the fullest. We offer the following treatments based upon your condition:
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- Prescription eye drops, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:
- Restasis – Prevents inflammation and keeps the eye moist and comfortable
- Azasite – Treats infections of the eyelid and helps the oil glands on the eyelid work properly
- Lotemax – A steroid eye drop that has the best safety profile of all topical drops.
- Newer formulas for the treatment of dry eye are becoming more frequently available.
- Prescription eye drops, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:
- Punctal Plugs (Punctum Plugs)
- Tiny, biocompatible devices inserted into tear ducts to block drainage.
- Increases the eye’s tear film and surface moisture to relieve dry eyes.
- Usually only considered when prescription drops are not effective.
Living with Dry Eyes
There is unfortunately no cure for dry eye syndrome, but many effective ways to limit its symptoms. We recommend the following treatments at home:
- Using a humidifier
- Maintaining a clean home and working environment
- Taking breaks during reading and watching TV.
We Can Help!
While many of these symptoms can be a result of dry eyes, there could also be other conditions and treatments available. Detecting eye conditions early on gives you the greatest chance of maintaining your vision and piece of mind. Please contact us today if you have any concerns about your vision.
