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Dry Eye Syndrome

Most of us are likely to take it for granted that the simple act of blinking serves to lubricate and protect our eyes. However, for a significant percentage of the population (particularly those middle-aged and older), “dry eye syndrome” (DES) creates a great amount of discomfort.

Author: Sara Goldstein

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Whether this condition is caused by reduced tear production, excessive tear evaporation, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid), abnormally low levels of the lipids (fats) or mucus normally found in tears, environmental factors, or other causes, those affected experience a gritty, burning feeling in their eyes that can make their lives miserable. Moreover, unless the cause of the problem is diagnosed and dry eyes are properly treated, eye surfaces can dry out and become damaged.

Dry eye disease, known to be common among older women, is also prevalent among older men. Eye conditions and diseases that can rob your family of their vision can strike at any time in life, from newborn to old age.

Use of over-the-counter eye drops may be a sign of chronic Dry Eye

People who suffer from chronic dry eyes sometimes use over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops or artificial tears. As the condition worsens, more drops are needed and often the condition continues to get worse. Most often, even after using a number of different brands, they still feel as if nothing is helping. Unfortunately, these over-the-counter drops do not help the eyes ability to produce better tears.

Symptoms
The most common symptoms include:

• Persistent Dryness
• Scratching, Burning
• Blurry vision
• On-going eye infections
• Foreign body sensation

Diagnosis/Causes
Your eye physician may want to measure the amount of tears your eyes produce. Using a thin strip of paper placed under the lower eye lid, called the Schirmer test, is one way to measure tear production.

Dry eye syndrome has several causes, typically beginning with the natural ageing process, especially during menopause; as a side effect of many medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications, Parkinson’s medications and birth control pills; or because you live in a dry, dusty or windy climate.

If you work from your home office and have air conditioning or a dry air heating system, that too can be a contributing factor to dry eyes. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you are staring at a computer or television for lengthy periods of time.

Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ocular rosacea or Sjogren’s syndrome ( a triad of dry eyes, dry mouth and rheumatoid arthritis or lupus).

Dry eyes are also the result of long-term contact lens wear. In fact, dry eyes are the most common complaint of contact lens wearers. It can be a vicious cycle. Dry eye syndrome makes contact lens wear uncomfortable and thus rubbing the lenses against the conjunctiva seems to cause dry eyes.

Treatment
Although it may not be completely treatable, dry eye syndrome may be alleviated by lubricating eye drops or artificial tears. Punctal plugs also help keep moisture on the eye by keeping tears from draining too quickly. It is recommended that you see your eye care physician for an in depth evaluation to determine the cause of your dry eyes before seeking an alternative solution.

About Author

If you live in Ocean or Monmouth Counties New Jersey and feel you may have dry eyes, please visit the Susskind & Almallah Eye Associates web site for additional information and a direct number to call for a convenient appointment.

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