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Dry Eye Syndrome Your tears function to protect the eyes and keep them lubricated and comfortable. Dry eye syndrome is the decline of the quantity and/or quality of the tears produced. It is caused when the tear glands in the upper and lower eyelids do not produce enough tears, or they don't produce the right kind of tears.
There are two types of tears: constant tears and reflex tears. Constant tears are continuously produced to lubricate the eye at all times, and contain natural antibiotics to fight infections. Reflex tears are only produced in response to irritation, injury or emotion to help rinse the surface of the eye. A delicate balance between constant and reflex tears, in addition to a satisfactory blink reflex, helps ensure that your eyes will be comfortable, well-lubricated and well-protected. Causes Aging - Tear production decreases with age. In fact, the volume of lubricating constant tears can be as much as 60% less at age 65 than 18. This reduction in constant tear flow and resulting eye irritation may cause occasionally excessive reflex tearing.
Environment - High altitudes; sunny, dry, windy conditions; and the use of heaters, blowers and air conditioners increase tear evaporations and reduce eye lubrication.
Contact Lenses - Contact lens wear can
dramatically increase tear evaporation, causing irritation,
infection, protein deposits, and pain. Research shows that dry
eye is the leading cause of contact lens discomfort. Medications - Some medications decrease the body's ability to produce lubricating tears. These include decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, heart disease and ulcer prescriptions, antidepressants, anesthetics and drugs containing Beta Blockers.
Dryness of the eye Mucous discharge Redness Sandy or gritty feeling Itching Burning Constant or occasional tearing Watery eyes Light sensitivity Eye pain or soreness Lid infections Contact lens discomfort Contact lens solution sensitivity
Related Conditions Sinus congestion Nasal congestion Runny nose Post-nasal drip Chronic cough Bronchitis Allergies/Hay fever Headaches Frequent colds Ear congestion Dry throat/mouth Asthma Who is affected by dry eye syndrome? About 10 million Americans suffer from dry eye syndrome. It is estimated that nearly 75% of people over age 65 will experience dry eye syndrome. Even though most of the dry eye is resulted from the aging of glands in the eyes, dry eye can occur at any age. Pollen, dust, or smoke can easily worsen the dry eye condition. People suffering from allergies and those wearing contact lenses have greater risk of developing dry eye. How is dry eye syndrome treated? Depending on the intensity of the condition, treatment may be as simple as using artificial tears a few times a day. Lubricating ointments and gels are also available for temporary soothing of dry eye symptoms. However, they can cause blurry vision, so use discretion when using. Most people prefer to use the ointments or gels before they go sleep at night.
In more persistent cases, however, a simple non-surgical procedure is available that provides long-term relief of dry eye syndrome through use of tiny plugs called "punctal occluders."
What are punctal occluders (plugs)? As the name suggests, these devices occlude (block) the punctum, or tear duct, which is the drainage duct that carries tears away from the surface of the eye. There are upper and lower punctum ducts in the inner corner of each eye. Blocking these drainage ducts prevents tears from draining away too quickly. Punctal occlusion can be compared to putting a stopper in a sink drain, keeping the tears on the eye's surface for longer periods. This widely performed procedure is safe, quick, painless, and totally reversible. In some cases, small dissolvable plugs are first inserted into the tear drainage ducts. These plugs can last up to a week before they dissolve. If you expereinece symptomatic relief during this test period, your doctor may determine that you can benefit from permanent punctal plugs. There are a variety of punctal plugs available, so contact your eye care professional for more information. |
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