Dry Eye

WHAT IS DRY EYE?

The eye bathes itself in tears to stay moist. Some people don’t produce enough tears for healthy eyes. This is called dry eye. Moist eyes are essential to comfort and health. Also, dry eyes may mean other problems.

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR DRY EYE?

Tear production normally decreases as we age. Although dry eye can occur in both men and women at any age, women are most often affected. This is especially true after menopause.

OTHER RISK FACTORS INCLUDE:

• Smoking
• Eye surgery (such as LASIK or for cataracts)
• Exposure to environmental irritants (e.g., prolonged exposure to wind, sleeping with a fan on at night, low humidity, frequent air travel)
• Ocular surface diseases
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease.
• Looking at a computer screen for a long time or other activities that reduce blinking.
• A wide variety of common medications – both prescription and over-the-counter – can also cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion. Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist the names of all the medications you are taking, especially if you are using diuretics, beta-blockers, antihistamines, sleeping pills, medications for “nerves,” or pain relievers. 

SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS

The usual symptoms of dry eye include:

• Stinging or burning sensation
• Scratchy or gritty feeling
• Strings of mucus in or around your eyes
• Red or irritated eyes, aggravated in wind or near cigarette smoke
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
• Watering eyes

An ophthalmologist is able to diagnose dry eye by examining the eyelids and surface of the eyes. Sometimes tests that measure tear production are necessary. The Schirmer tear test involves placing filter-paper strips under the lower eyelids to measure the rate of tear production under various conditions. Another test uses a diagnostic drop to look for certain patterns of dryness on the surface of the eye.

Treatment for dry eye can vary depending on the severity or underlying cause. Your doctor may recommend artificial tears or ointments, warm compress and massaging your eyelids. A procedure where the opening of your tear duct is blocked with a plug to prevent tears draining out of your eyes (called punctal plugs), or surgery to permanently close the tear drainage system are also treatments your ophthalmologist can provide.