DRY EYE
Dry eye is a condition that results from an inability
of the tears to sufficiently lubricate the eye. This
can be a quantitative deficiency, where the eye does
not produce enough tears, or a qualitative problem,
where the tear does not contain adequate lubricating
and protecting factors.
SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE
Tears are produced by two distinctly different methods.
One produces a slow, continuous rate of tear formation
that is responsible for normal eye lubrication. The
other method produces a large burst of tears in response
to irritation or emotion. If the slow steady tears
do not adequately lubricate the eye, it can become
irritated and trigger the burst or "reflex" tear
production. It is this situation that is responsible
for the "tearing" seen in people with dry eyes ("How
can I have dry eyes if I am tearing all the time?").
Other symptoms include stinging or burning, foreign
body sensation, feeling of sand or grit in the eyes,
stringy mucous around the eyes, scratchiness, difficulty
with contact lenses and, of course, tearing.
CAUSES OF DRY EYE
Dry eye is often part of the normal aging changes
of the body. However, it can be exacerbated or accentuated
by sun, wind, cold, indoor heaters or air conditioners,
computer screens, reading, high altitude or recent
eye surgery. Certain health conditions and medications
can also contribute to dry eye. These include: sjogrens
syndrome, diabetes, post-menopause, rheumatoid arthritis,
asthma, pregnancy and thyroid disease. Medications
include: antihistamines, diuretics (water pills),
antidepressants, hormone replacement therapy, blood
pressure medications, decongestants and oral contraceptives.
TREATMENT OF DRY EYE
Although there is no cure for dry eye, it can be
effectively treated in most cases. Altering any environmental
factors that contribute to dry eye, such as avoiding
smoke, cold or dry rooms and prolonged computer use,
can give symptomatic improvement. However, it is
often necessary to add topical lubricants, such as
artificial tears, to get significant relief of symptoms.
Artificial tears come in various compositions and
densities, and some trial and error may be needed
to find the most beneficial type, but once found
this is usually all the treatment that is needed.
Severe dry eye, however, may require the use of topical
steroids, ointments, cyclosporin or placement of
punctual plugs. The plugs decrease the loss of the
slow steady tears and can markedly improve the dry
eye state.
Dry eye is a common but potentially
serious ocular disease. There are, however, simple
and effective treatment options available. Your eye
care professional can help you find the best treatment
choice for you.
More information:
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