Could you have dry eyes?

Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eye comfortable. This is known as dry eye.  Tears are produced by two different methods. One method produces tears at a slow, steady rate and is responsible for normal eye lubrication. The other method produces large quantities of tears in response to eye irritation or emotions.

Tears that lubricate are constantly produced by a healthy eye. Excessive tears occur when the eye is irritated by a foreign body or when a person cries.

What are the symptoms of dry eye?
  • Stinging or burning eyes;
  • Scratchiness;
  • Stringy mucus in or around the eyes;
  • Eye irritation from smoke or wind;
  • Excess tearing;
  • Difficulty wearing contact lenses.
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 - produced by the meibomian glands, forms the outermost surface of the tear film. Its main purpose is to smooth the tear surface and reduce evaporation of tears.
  • A watery layer - this 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.
  • A layer 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;
  • Medications for “nerves”;
  • Pain relievers.
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. For example, the preservatives in certain eye drops and artificial tear preparations can irritate the eye. Special preservative-free artificial tears may be required.

How is dry eye treated?
Adding tears, eye drops called artificial tears are similar to your own tears.  They lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture.

Artificial tears are available without a prescription.  There are many brands on the market, so you may want to try several to find the one you like best.

Preservative-free eye drops are available if you are sensitive to the preservative in artificial tears.  If you need to use artificial tears more than every two hours, preservative-free brands may be better for you.  Solid artificial tear inserts that are placed inside the lower lid on a daily basis and gradually release lubricants may be beneficial to some people.

You can use the tears as often as necessary-once or twice a day or as often as several times an hour.  Tears evaporate like any other liquid.  You can take steps to prevent evaporation.  In winter, when indoor heat is on, a humidifier or a pan of water on the radiator adds moisture to the air.  Wrap-around glasses may reduce the drying effect of the wind, but are illegal to wear while driving in some states.

Anything that may cause dryness, such as an overly warm room, hair dryers, or wind, should be avoided by a person with dry eye.  Smoking is especially bothersome.

Some people with dry eye complain of “scratchy eyes” when they wake up.  This symptom can be treated by using an artificial tear ointment at bedtime.  Use the smallest amount of ointment necessary for comfort, since the ointment can cause your vision to blur temporarily.

If you feel you suffer from dry eye and artificial tears are not helping please call our office for an appointment to evaluate your options for treatment.

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

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