DRY EYE
WHAT IS DRY EYE?
WHAT IS DRY EYE?
Your tear film contains both water and oil. Many things such as systemic inflammation, hormones, medications, your work environment, and even what you eat and drink may influence the quality of your tears. The majority of people with dry eye have dysfunctional Meibomian glands that do not adequately contribute oil into the tear film. This oil is essential in delaying tear evaporation and preventing dryness.
DRY EYE SYMPTOMS
Dry eye is a very complex condition, for which there is no cure. Symptoms vary widely from person to person, but may include redness, burning, itching, tearing, light sensitivity, pain, fluctuating vision, and frequent blinking or difficulty opening the eyes. Alternatively, some patients experience surface damage from dry eye without yet feeling the discomfort. In either case, as damage progresses the symptoms can become debilitating. It is critical to implement treatments early in order to prevent progression.
Most of the symptoms experienced by patients as a result of Dry Eye are caused by damage to the surface of the eye. Just like how skin becomes rough and cracked in dry conditions, the surface of the eye can experience the same thing if it is chronically dry. As you can imagine, eyelid blinking over a dry surface is uncomfortable, similar to using your windshield wipers on a dry windshield. In addition to the discomfort, vision can also be affected because a smooth layer of tears is necessary for clear vision. Insufficient tear film stability can also be a reason for fluctuating vision due to the reduced optical quality.
Most of the symptoms experienced by patients as a result of Dry Eye are caused by damage to the surface of the eye. Just like how skin becomes rough and cracked in dry conditions, the surface of the eye can experience the same thing if it is chronically dry. As you can imagine, eyelid blinking over a dry surface is uncomfortable, similar to using your windshield wipers on a dry windshield. In addition to the discomfort, vision can also be affected because a smooth layer of tears is necessary for clear vision. Insufficient tear film stability can also be a reason for fluctuating vision due to the reduced optical quality.
DRY EYE EVALUATION AND CARE
You may have tried other treatment in the past, without success. For long term relief and stability, treatments need to be chosen according to the underlying cause of your dry eye. During your eye evaluation, we will thoroughly assess your tear film composition and ocular surface, decipher the underlying diagnosis, and pair it with treatments that will work for you. With this balanced approach, your symptoms can be drastically reduced or eliminated altogether. There are several causes of dry eye, and most often patients will have a combination.
AQUEOUS-DEFICIENT DRY EYE
Patients with this type of Dry Eye have decreased tear production and therefore lack of normal tear volume. This type of Dry Eye is diagnosed by measuring tear production volume and checking the concentration of salts in the tears. Aqueous-deficient Dry Eye is treated with a regimen of artificial tears or punctal plugs that prevent the drainage of tears away from the eye.
INFLAMMATORY DRY EYE
Artificial tears can be found over the counter in many types, but Dr. Meyerson can recommend a type appropriate to each situation. Medicated prescription drops, such as Restasis (www.restasis.com), and Xiidra (www.xiidra.com), have been shown to increase tear production with consistent use and may be prescribed if seen as the appropriate treatment option.
OIL-MEIBOMIAN GLAND DEFICIENCY DRY EYE
The Meibomian glands are located in the upper and lower eyelid. These glands produce an oily substance that plays a crucial role in preserving the eye's tear film stability, as this oily substance helps prevent the evaporation of tears and thus, symptoms of dry eyes.
The stability of the tear film and the health of the oil glands around the eyelids are indicators that help diagnose evaporative Dry Eye. The best treatment option for this condition are lipid-based artificial tears, eyelid hygiene, omega-3 supplements, and warm eyelid massages. A mild steroid drop may also be used to reduce inflammation as necessary. Once the eyes start producing healthy, stable tears, symptoms will improve dramatically.
The stability of the tear film and the health of the oil glands around the eyelids are indicators that help diagnose evaporative Dry Eye. The best treatment option for this condition are lipid-based artificial tears, eyelid hygiene, omega-3 supplements, and warm eyelid massages. A mild steroid drop may also be used to reduce inflammation as necessary. Once the eyes start producing healthy, stable tears, symptoms will improve dramatically.
