Chronic Dry Eye

What is Chronic Dry Eye?
Dry Eye affects an estimated 21 million people in the United States. Dry Eye is a medical condition that can result from the eyes' reduced ability to produce tears due to chronic inflammation. Without enough tears, the film protecting the eye can break down, creating dry spots on the cornea. If left untreated, over time inflammation and reduced tear production can damage the surface of the eye and exacerbate the eye. Eyes need a healthy tear film to maintain and protect the ocular surface. Symptoms of Dry Eye include:
  • Stinging or burning eyes
  • Scratchiness
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Irritation and sensitivity to light
  • Eye irritation from smoke or wind
  • Excess tearing
  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Dry eye can impact daily activities such as: computer use, reading, driving, watching television, etc. 

Excess tearing from "Dry Eye" sounds illogical, but if the tears responsible for maintenance lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated.  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 is the tear film?
A film of tears, spread over the eye by a blink, makes the surface of the eye smooth and clear.   Without our tear film, good vision would not be possible.

The tear film consists of three layers:
  • An oily layer
  • A watery layer
  • A layer of mucus
The oily layer, produced by the meibomian glands, forms he outermost surface of the tear film.  Its main purpose is to smooth the tear surface and reduce evaporation of tears.

The middle watery layer makes up most of what we ordinarily think of as tears.  This layer, produced by the lacrimal gland, cleanses the eye and washes away foreign particles or irritants.

The inner layer consists of mucus produced by the conjunctiva.  Mucus allows the watery layer to spread evenly over the surface of the eye and helps the eye remain wet.  Without mucus, tears would not adhere to the eye.
What causes Dry Eye?

  Tear production normally decreases as we age.  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 also be associated with arthritis and accompanied by a dry mouth.  People with dry eyes, dry mouth and arthritis are said to have Sjogren's syndrome.

A wide variety of common medications-prescription and over-the-counter-can cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion.  Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist the names of all the medications you are taking, especially if you are using:
  • Diuretics
  • Betablockers
  • Antihistamines
  • Sleeping pills
  • Certain glaucoma medications
  • Pain relievers
Dry Eye can also be aggravated by a number of external factors such as windy environments, heat and air-conditioning, prolonged computer use and smoke. 

How is Dry Eye treated?
  • Restasis - If your chronic Dry Eye is caused by decrease tear production due to inflammation and requires continuous therapy, Dr. Colletti may prescribe Restasis. Restasis is the only Prescription eye drop that helps increase your eyes natural ability to produce tears. 
  • Artificial Tears - Artificial tears are lubricants that can provide temporary relief of Dry Eye symptom. Artificial tears are a great adjunctive therapy to Restasis and can be used as needed. 
  • Vitamin Supplements - Our Doctors may also recommend a vitamin supplement such as PRN's De Omega with Vitamin D3 to aide in the systemic treatment of your Dry Eye symptoms. 
Do you have Chronic Dry Eye? - Take the Quiz

This message was brought to you by Friedberg Eye Associates and the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

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