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.
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