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Adult and Senior Eye Care
Dry Eye
There could be as many as 33 million Americans, half of whom are
over the age of 50, who are experiencing some or all of the symptoms
of the irritating condition known as dry eye. While there are simple
and generally effective forms of treatment, the great majority of those
suffering from dry eye are not consulting with an eye doctor and are
not undergoing any form of recommended treatment.
If left untreated, dry eye can be more than just irritating
or uncomfortable. Excessive dry eye over a period of time can cause
serious damage to eye tissue with possible scarring of the cornea, the
transparent protective front covering of the eye that performs 80% of the
refractive vision function. Such damage can result in loss of vision to one
degree or another. Dry eye can also make the wearing of contact lenses more
difficult, due to the increased possibility of irritation of the cornea and
the greater chance of eye infection.
What is Dry Eye?
The normal eye produces tears that are composed of three different
layers: 1) The oily outer layer 2) The watery middle layer and 3) The
mucus inner layer. All three layers must be produced in the proper formulation
in order for the tears to perform their intended function, which is proper
lubrication of the outer surface of the eye, primarily the cornea. Dry eye
occurs when the eye doesn't produce the necessary quantity of tears or produces
tears that are lacking in the proper composition. The deficiency usually involves
the watery middle layer or the mucus inner layer.
What are the Symptoms?
An ironic aspect of this relatively common eye disorder is that one of the
symptoms is excessive watering of the affected eye. The watering is a natural
reflex caused by irritation of the cornea by tears that have sub-normal
qualities, but in this case quantity is no substitute for quality. This symptom
is one reason why so many people with the disorder do not consider the
possibility that the term dry eye might apply to them. Other symptoms include
scratchy, dry, irritated or generally uncomfortable eyes.
Sometimes redness of the eyes or a burning sensation is experienced.
There can also be the feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the eye,
or blurred vision may result from the problem. When looking in a mirror,
the eyes may seem to have lost their normal clearness and luster.
What Causes Dry Eye?
As with most eye disorders, dry eye is normally the result of
aging and tends to heavily affect people over age 50. As with other
body parts, the elements of the eye just do not function as well with age.
This includes the eye's ability to produce tears with the proper chemical
composition as has been described. However, in addition to age, dry eye can
be caused by one or more of the following conditions:
- Problems with the normal blinking reflex, which serves to lubricate the eye.
- Use of certain types of medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants,
oral contraceptives or tranquilizers.
- Environmental factors, such as a dry climate or excessive exposure to the wind.
- Chemical or thermal burns to the eyes
- Some special healthy problems, such as arthritis or an autoimmune condition
known as Sjogren's Syndrome, which affects mostly middle-aged women.
- LASIK surgery can cause dry eyes.
What are the Treatments?
Dry eye cannot be permanently cured, but there are effective treatments. The
treatment most likely to be recommended is the use of eye drops that have been
formulated to simulate the chemical composition of natural tears. There are also
soothing ointments that may be applied at bedtime.
Patients who live in a dry climate might benefit from the use of a humidifier
in their home or office during especially dry periods.
For more severe cases of dry eye, your eye doctor may recommend the insertion
of tiny plugs in the tear drainage canal in the inner corner of each eye. The
purpose would be to slow down the drainage of tears from the surface of the
eye and thereby provide more natural lubrication. In relatively rare cases,
the drainage canals may be permanently closed by a surgical procedure. In both
instances, the procedures are simple and painless.
As with all other eye disorders, early detection of dry eye will lead to
more effective treatment and prevention of the development of serious damage
to your eyes.
Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the usual symptoms of dry eye,
you should call for an appointment at your earliest convenience. We will use
sophisticated diagnostic instruments to examine your eyes for the presence of
dry eye. We will also discuss with you any lifestyle habits, environmental factors
or medication you may be taking along with other health conditions that could be
causing dry eye symptoms. Dry eye is an easily managed eye disorder. Recommended
treatment diminishes irritations and aggravations.
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