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Dry
Eyes |
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Definition
of Dry Eyes |
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The
natural tears that the eyes produce are composed
of three layers: (1) the outer oily layer; (2)
the middle watery layer; (3) the inner mucus layer.
A film of tears, spread over the eye by a blink,
makes the surface of the eye smooth and clear.
Without the tear film, good vision would not be
possible.
Dry eye condition occurs when eyes do not produce
enough tears or when the tears that are produced
are not of the proper quality in any of the three
layers to keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable.
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Symptoms
of Dry Eyes |
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The severity and
symptoms of dry eye vary from person to person.
Symptoms of dry eye include:
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Irritated, scratchy,
itchy, uncomfortable eyes |
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The white of the eye becomes
red and swollen |
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A stinging or burning sensation
in the eyes |
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A feeling of a foreign body
in the eye |
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A feeling of hot and gritty
eyes |
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Blurred vision |
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Eyes become sensitive to
light |
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Excessive tearing |
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Loss of normal clear glassy
luster in the eyes |
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Difficulty wearing contact
lenses |
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Usually both eyes are affected |
It is important to note some people suffer from
all symptoms, while others may experience only
a few. If you are experiencing any of the above
symptoms, be sure to ask your eye doctor about
dry eye. If you have dry eye, your doctor can
help you choose the right treatment option for
you.
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Causes
of Dry Eyes |
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Dry
eye condition is due to a deficiency of tear production
by the lacrimal glands. It is often a normal part
of the aging process but the degree of dryness
varies from person to person. Although dry eye
can occur in both men and women at any age, women
are most often affected. This is especially true
after menopause. Dry eye can result from:
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Problems with
normal blinking |
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Computer use |
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Chemical or thermal burns
to the eye |
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Eye injuries and refractive
surgeries (PRK
& LASIK) |
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Certain medications like
antihistamines, decongestants, oral contraceptives,
sleeping pills, blood pressure medication,
diuretics, pain relievers, antidepressants,
and anti-anxiety medications |
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Environmental factors
like sun, wind, cold, dry air, indoor heating
and air conditioning, high altitudes etc. |
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Rheumatoid arthritis,
Sjogren's syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disorders,
autoimmune disorders (i.e. lupus), Bell's
palsy etc. |
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Treatment
of Dry Eyes |
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Unfortunately,
dry eye cannot be cured, but your eye's sensitivity
can be decreased and treatment prescribed so that
your eyes remain healthy and your vision is not
affected. Your doctor may prescribe one or more
of the following treatments:
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regular blinking
to spread tears over the eye, especially when
using a steady focus (e.g. computer screen)
for an extended period |
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Changing environmental factors
like avoiding hair dryers, wind and dust and
increasing the level of humidity |
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Avoid smoking |
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Using artificial tear solutions
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Using long lasting moisturizing
ointment, especially at bedtime |
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Wearing wrap-around glasses
to reduce the drying effect of the wind |
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Temporarily or permanently
plugging the tear ducts while manually replacing
the tears with drops or ointments. Recently
a prescription eyedrop is recommended to increase
the tear production. Contact your ophthalmologist
to check your eligibility for this treatment.
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If untreated, dry eye can be more than just irritating
or uncomfortable. Excessive dry eye can damage eye
tissue and possibly scar the cornea, the transparent
front covering of the eye, impairing vision. Contact
lens wear may be more difficult due to the possibility
of increased irritation and a greater chance of
eye infection.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of dry eye,
your ophthalmologist can perform "dry eye"
tests using diagnostic instruments to give a highly
magnified view and special dyes to evaluate the
quality, amount and distribution of tears. Your
ophthalmologist will also need to know about your
every day activities, your general health, medications
you are taking and about environmental factors that
may be causing your symptoms.
If you have problems with dry eyes, schedule an
appointment with NeoVision Eye Center at
510-431-5511 (Union
City) or 650-962-4626 (Mountain
View).
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