If you are experiencing itching, red, irritated, and/or burning eyes, you may have Dry Eye Syndrome. Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when normal tears are not sufficient to keep the front surface of the eye moist and well lubricated. At The Eye Associates, Dr. Richard Hector, our Fellowship Trained Dry Eye Specialist has a profound understanding of the causes of dry eyes and can customize a treatment plan for you.

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More About Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome is a common problem for all ages, but it is more common as we get older. It occurs when your tears are not sufficient to keep the front surface of the eye, your cornea, well lubricated. The cornea needs constant lubrication by tears to stay healthy. Tears are made up of three components: an outer layer of oil, a middle layer of water, and an inner layer of mucus. If you do not produce enough tears, or if the composition of your tears is not balanced, your eyes will not be properly lubricated. The result may be blurry vision, scratchy, itchy eyes, and pain.

Tears and Dry Eyes

Patients often feel their problem cannot be dry eyes, because their eyes overflow with tears. It may sound odd, but watery eyes are sometimes part of Dry Eye Syndrome. Dr. Richard Hector, our Fellowship Trained Dry Eye Specialist explains, “When the cornea becomes too dry, tear glands over stimulate the production of the watery component of your eye's tears. Unfortunately, these reflex tears do not lubricate well and may actually aggravate the problem.”

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Symptoms

If you have any of the following symptoms, ask your doctor if you have Dry Eye Syndrome.

  • stinging and itching
  • excess tearing
  • burning sensation
  • inflammation and redness
  • sandy/gritty feeling
  • sensitivity to light

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Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

  • Aging: Aging is one of the most common causes of dry eyes because tear production tends to diminish as you get older.
  • Environment: Hot, dry, and windy weather; heaters and air conditioners; and high altitudes increase the evaporation of tears. Ceiling fans are another common factor.
  • Computer Use: Computer users have a tendency to “stare” at a screen for long periods without blinking. This insufficient blinking pattern is often the cause for dry eyes in increasingly younger people.
  • Poor Lid Function: As you blink, your eyelids continuously spread a thin film of tears over the surface of your eye. Problems with eyelids, such as out-turning of the lids (ectropion) or an in-turning of the lids (entropion) contribute to dry eyes.
  • Contact Lenses: Long term contact lens wear can negatively affect your tear production.
  • Medical Conditions: Hormonal changes, especially in women, can cause problems with dryness. Also, patients suffering from thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, scleroderma, and other systemic conditions often experience dry eye syndrome. In addition, blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelids, may be a cause.
  • Medications: Diuretics, allergy medication, antihistamines, and many other common medications may all produce dry eye symptoms. Also, a lack of some vitamins can increase dryness.

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Treatment

Dry Eye Syndrome is generally a condition that is not cured (depending on the cause), but it can be managed. The most common approach to controlling mild Dry Eye Syndrome is with the use of artificial tears to lubricate the cornea. There are many over-the-counter solutions and ointments designed to replenish natural tears.

However, artificial tears only offer temporary symptom relief and do not address the underlying problem, which often is inflammation. Now there is a new FDA approved breakthrough prescription eye drop called Restasis™ designed to decrease inflammation, thereby helping to make tears that are more efficient in lubricating the eye. This not only increases the patient’s comfort but also prevents more serious damage from occurring.

In cases where eye drops do not give enough relief, Dr. Hector, our Fellowship Trained Dry Eye Specialist, may place plugs in the upper and/or lower tear drainage canals. This reduces the amount of tear drainage, helping to maintain better corneal lubrication.

The only way to know what treatment option is right for you is to make an appointment for a dry eye evaluation. Call (941) 792-2020 or toll free 1-866-865-2020 or contact The Eye Associates for an appointment.

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Tips for People with Dry Eyes

  • Use artificial tears 3-4 times per day.
  • Try different brands of artificial tears periodically. One may work better for you than another.
  • At night, try a dry eye ointment/gel.
  • Take a multivitamin with zinc and an omega 3/fish oil or flaxseed oil capsule on a daily basis. Start with 2 a day, increase to 3 a day after one month, and keep them in the refrigerator.
  • Drink plenty of clear liquids.
  • Protect your eyes with a UV protective coating on your everyday glasses as well as sunglasses.
  • Always wear tinted lenses in the sun. “Wrap around” polarized sunglasses are especially effective.
  • Keep your eyelids well moisturized with “bland” moisturizers like Vaseline.
  • Clean air conditioner filter every month.
  • When using a computer, take a blink break every 20 minutes.
  • Consider a room humidifier to add moisture.

Avoid

  • Ceiling fans
  • Sitting near air conditioning or heating vents
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Prolonged reading or close work.
  • Overuse of strong antihistamines (cold & allergy medications)

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For more information about Dry Eye Syndrome, visit the Dry Eye Zone Website. Call 941-792-2020 or CLICK HERE for an appointment for a dry eye evaluation at The Eye Associates today.