Medical Eye Problems

Dry Eyes

The eyes make two different types of tears. Basal tears are produced slowly and steadily throughout the day. They contain a precise balance of mucous, water, oil, proteins and antibodies that nourish and protect the front of the eye. These tears are important in maintaining the lubrication of the eye.

The second type of tear, called a reflex tear, does not have much lubricating value. Reflex tears serve as an emergency response to flood the eye when it is suddenly irritated or injured. Reflex tears are produced in such large quantities that the tear drainage system is flooded and tears spill out onto the cheek. Another cause of reflex tearing is irritation of the eye from lack of basal tears. If your eye is not producing enough lubricating tears, you have dry eye. That is why one of the most common symptoms of dry eyes is tearing!

Symptoms

  • Watery eyes
  • Foreign body sensation
  • Itchy, burning eyes
  • Blurred vision after periods of reading, watching TV, or using a computer
  • Red, irritated eyes that produce a mucus discharge

Causes

  • Age: As we get older, glands in the eyelid produce less oil. Oil keeps tears from evaporating off the eye. Decreased oil production allows tears to evaporate quickly, leaving the eye dry.
  • Systemic diseases such as Diabetes and Sjogren's syndrome
  • Hormonal changes (post-menopausal)
  • Prescription and over-the counter medications
  • Hot dry or windy conditions: High altitude, air-conditioning and smoke can also cause dry eye.
  • Eye surgery: Some types of eye surgery, including LASIK can aggravate dry eye.

Treatments

The most common way to treat dry eyes is to replace the tears that are missing. This is accomplished through the use of artificial tear preparations. Artificial tears are made in liquid, gel and ointment forms. Some are preserved and others non-preserved. Your doctor will recommend different types based on the type and severity of your dry eyes.

When infection, inflammation of the eyelids or clogged oil glands contribute to dry eye, special lid cleaning techniques or antibiotics may be recommended. It may also help to avoid hot, dry or windy environments or to humidify the air in your home or office.

Punctal occlusion is a medical treatment for dry eye that may enable your eyes to make better and longer use of the few lubricating tears they do produce. During this procedure, a small silicone plug is placed in the opening of the tear ducts (the tear drain). This effectively blocks the draining of the tears from the eyes and keeps them on the surface of the eyes longer and in greater quantity.

Restasis is a new therapy for dry eye. Its formulation, topical cyclospoune, can increase the quality and quantity of tears and the surface of the eye. These eye drops are taken twice a day.

At Center for Sight, we use a multi-faceted approach to each patient's dry eye problem. Each patient will have an individualized plan utilizing different treatments, specific to their dry eye condition.