Dry
Eyes
What
are Dry Eyes?
Dry
eyes result from a lack of tear production. Tear production naturally
decreases with age, leaving the eye exposed to irritants in the environment.
Dry eyes are even more common with contact lens wearers and with
women during menopause. Other factors, such as the sun, wind, and
air from heating or air conditioning actually dry the eyes by evaporating
the fluid from the eyes. Smoke and pollutants in the environment
act as irritants, because the tears can't efficiently and effectively
wash away these pollutants.
Symptoms
of Dry Eyes
People with dry eyes will often complain of watery eyes because
reflex tears (as in crying) are produced in response to irritation.
These reflex tears are not helpful to lubrication, however, because
they are the watery tears, not the oily lubricating tears. Other
symptoms include: a scratchy, gritty or dry feeling; burning, stinging
or redness; a stringy mucus; and sensitivity to light.
The
Origin and Flow or Tears
The delicate tear film acts as a protective covering on the eye
and is made of three layers. The outer layer is oily and reduces
evaporation of the tears. The middle layer is watery and cleanses
the eye as in crying. The inner layer is made of mucus and allows
the tears to adhere to the surface of eye.
Watery tears flow into the eye from the lacrimal glands located above the eye. These tears are released during injury and emotion. Lubricating tears produce the tear film, which originates in the tarsal glands located in the eyelids. This film is spread over the eye by blinking. Tears are also effective at reducing infections because they contain lysozyme, an antibacterial substance. Tears then drain from the eye into the punctum through the tear sac and out into the nasal passages, or nasolacrimal duct.
The
Diagnosis and Treatment of Dry Eyes
The
Schirmer Test is a common way to detect dry eyes. This test
involves placing a small strip of dyed paper inside the lower
eyelids to measure the rate of tear production.
Another way to determine if increased lubrication will ease the symptoms is to place a temporary plug the width of a thread of fishing line in the punctum, or tear drain system. This painless procedure allows only a small amount of tears to pass into the nasal passages while the remainder of tears coat the surface of the eye. If these temporary plugs provide relief then treatment should reduce the symptoms.
The most common approach to the treatment of dry eyes is artificial tears. These tears replace the moisture and are used as necessary throughout the day. It is important to use preservative-free artificial tears, as the preservatives can damage the eye with continuous use. Dr. Waters recommends Theratears, which are available at the office. There is also an ointment that can be placed in the lower lid, which gradually releases moisture during the day. Ointment may also be applied at bedtime to relieve the difficulty of opening eyes when waking. Humidifiers also prove helpful to moisten dry heated air in the colder weather. Another treatment option is the use of permanent punctum plugs.
If left untreated, dry eyes can lead to more serious problems, such as infection, conjunctivitis and even corneal ulcers.
Vitamins
TheraTears Nutrition is a vitamin specially formulated to address the root causes of dry
eye syndrome. It helps prevent drying and atrophy of the tear glands while
supporting proper tear secretion by promoting the normal structure and
function of the lacrimal glands. Most patients see relief in dry eye symptoms
within 2-4 weeks after taking vitamins. These vitamins are available through
Complete Eye Care.
If you think you might be suffering from dry eyes, click here to fill out our quick email form or call our office at 810-732-2272, so we can be of service.
