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Dry Eye Syndrome |  | | By Mark A. Nekola MD |
Dry Eye Syndrome is a collection of symptoms resulting from insufficient quantity or quality of tears. Symptoms include dry, red, irritated eyes. Often people suffering from dry eyes will feel a "gritty" or "sandy" sensation in their eyes. They may even have seemingly paradoxical watering eyes. This is a reflex response to the dryness and irritation.
The origin of dry eyes is usually due to either a decreased production of "normal" tears or an increased evaporation of tears related to poor quality of the tear film coating the eye. There are many contributing factors to the development of dry eyes. The volume of tears produced decreases with increasing age such that Dry Eye Syndrome affects 75% of people over age 65. Hormonal changes can cause decreased tear production brought on by pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause. Medications may also contribute to dry eye symptoms. Blood pressure medications,oral contraceptives, ulcer medications, and antidepressents are just a few of the major culprits.
Diseases that may be associated with dry eyes include: thyroid disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis,and lupus. A common eyelid condition known as blepharitis can compromise the quality of tears causing them to evaporate more quickly.
Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome begins with an evaluation by your Ophthalmologist. He or she will be able to identify any contributing eye or systemic conditions and tailor a treatment plan to relieve your symptoms. The first line of treatment is replacement with artificial tears. Coexisting blepharitis is treated with warm compresses. Exacerbating activities such as prolonged computer use, reading, or driving are identified and modified. There are currently several promising medications being studied for the treatment of dry eyes. When artificial tears and eyelid cleansing don't work the next step is to consider punctal plugs. Punctal plugs are small implants that block the natural drainage of tears through the puncta in the eyelids. The insertion involves a painless in-office procedure that is very effective and reversible.
Dry Eye Syndrome is a very irritating condition. Luckily, with the help of your Ophthalmologist your symptoms can be markedly reduced. |
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Eye Physicians & Surgeons of Belleville: Home Page: Handout
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