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| Dry Eyes |
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Dry eye syndromes are common. Although they comprise a diverse group of diseases, they share many characteristics. A dry eye condition, or sicca syndrome, exists when the quantity or quality of the tear film is not sufficient to maintain a healthy epithelium. If there are not enough lubricating tears on the surface of your eyes, you may experience dry eye symptoms such as dry, red, itchy, burning or watery eyes, gritty foreign body sensation, irritation, and/or pain.
COMMON CAUSES OF DRY EYE:
- Environment: Sunny, dry, or windy weather, heaters, air conditions and high altitudes increase the evaporation of tears from the surface of your eyes. Because you blink less during concentration and detailed visual activities, you may experience dry eye symptoms while viewing television, computer screens, or while reading.
- Aging: Tear production gradually decreases with age. At age 65 the tear glands produce approximately half of the lubricating tears they produced at age 18. Decreased tear production may cause eye irritation and excess tearing or watery eyes.
- Contact lens wear: Contact lens wear increases tear evaporation and related dry eye symptoms. Dry eye symptoms may also increase from protein deposits on the lens, preservatives in solutions, or lack of oxygen permeability through the lens in some cases.
- Eyelid abnormalities: Droopy lids, altered blinking patterns, inflammation of the eyelids, or clogging of the meibomian glands (which produce oils to prevent the tears from evaporating too quickly) can lead to altered tear film chemistry and/or oil film deficiency. These may cause the tears to evaporate quicker than normal and cause surface irritation.
- Medications and systemic conditions: Certain medications and systemic conditions can cause reduced tear production and contribute to your dry eye symptoms. These include: Atropine, Aspartame (NUTRASWEET), Birth control pills, hormone therapy, Marijuana, Vitamin A analogs (isotretinoin), Niacin, Decongestants (Sudafed, etc.), Practolol, Antihistamines (Benadryl, Coricidin, etc.)Methotrexate and other cancer drugs, Scopolamine, Diuretics/water pills (Hydrochlorothiazide, Chlorothiazide, etc.), Decongestant eye drops (Visine, Murine, Prefrin, Clear Eyes), Tranquilizers, anti-depressants and anti-anxiety agents (Diazepam, Elavil, Valium, etc.), Glaucoma Beta blockers eye drops (Timoptic, Betoptic, Betagan, Ocupress, etc.), Pain relievers, narcotic (Codeine, Morphine), Systemic diseases such arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous and others; Bone marrow transplant, Sjogren Syndrome, Hepatitis C, Menopause; LASIK, PRK and other refractive / vision laser procedures
TREATMENT OF DRY EYE:
The treatment for dry eyes may include any of the following:
- Elimination or correction of any of the above causes whenever possible
- Artificial tears (preservative free are best but cost more than preserved solutions) or ointments
ARTIFICIAL TEARS
1. Refresh (non-preserved & preserved)
2. Systane (non-preserved & preserved)
3. Theratears (non-preserved & preserved)
4. Refresh Liquigel (preserved)
5. Systane Free Liquid gel
AT BEDTIME
1. Refresh PM ointment
2. Lacrilube ointment
3. Ciba Genteal gel or ointment
- Omega 3 fatty acid supplements: 1000-2000 mg of high quality Fish oil and/or Flaxseed oil caplets, taking orally daily can help with oil film related dry eyes. (We recommend Theratears Nutrition 2-4 capsules taken orally daily)
- RESTASIS (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) is an FDA approved topical prescription medication for dry eyes. It is designed to help your eyes increase tear production, which may be reduced by chronic inflammation of the surface of the eye.
- Collagen or silicone punctal drain plugs (keeps existing tears in the eyes longer)
- Sunglasses, preferably wrap around styles, when outdoors to reduce evaporation
- Avoid hot-air vents, air conditioning vents, and arid areas
Consultation with your eye doctor is recommended in managing a dry eye condition. |
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