Dry Eye

WHAT IS DRY EYE?

Dry eye is an issue where your eye does not get adequate lubrication. Millions of Americans suffer from dry eye and studies have shown that this can significantly decrease your quality of life. The tear film that lubricates your eyes is complex, and an unhealthy tear film can result from decreased production of tears or increased evaporation of your tears.

WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE?

Overall health and environmental factors can all contribute to dry eye.

• Medical diseases such as thyroid disease, and Sjögrens can contribute to dry eye

• Medications such as diuretics, sleeping pills, allergy pills, anxiety pills, and antidepressant pills and more can contribute to dry eye

• In this day and age, we rely so heavily on our eyes to read, and stare at computer screens all day, we forget to blink and this can worsen after many days of repeated activity

• Being inside with excessive air conditioning and heat can contribute to dry eye

• Contact lens overuse

• Smoking

• A history of LASIK

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE DRY EYE?

Dry eye can present in a multitude of ways. Below are some of the common symptoms of dry eye.

• Dry sensation

• Gritty sensation

• Burning sensation

• Intermittent blurry vision

• Eye itching

• Eye pain

• Eye redness or irritation

• Contact lens intolerance

• Excessive tearing

               While counterintuitive, excessive tearing can be your eyes reaction to inadequate lubrication.

HOW IS DRY EYE TREATED?

There are a number of ways to treat dry eye. Initially conservative measures with artificial tears, warm compresses and lid scrubs are a great place to start. After a serious trial of these measures, other options can be considered in the treatment. Your doctor can talk to you further about what options would be best suited to your lifestyle and your vision goals.