What is Dry Eye?

How well hydrated are your eyes? Many people are unaware that their eyes are coated in a constant layer of tear film. This helps us to move them around comfortably, keeps the surface of the eyes smooth and clear, helps wash away foreign particles, and reduces the risk of eye infection.

 

Unfortunately, there can be times where our tear film doesn’t work as well as it should. This is known as dry eye syndrome. In many instances, this will be temporary and resolve itself before you need to see an eye doctor. However, a percentage of people will suffer from chronic dry eye. Fortunately, there is treatment available that can help.

 

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eyes usually occur for a couple of reasons:

 

• Your eyes aren’t making enough tear film. Without enough natural tear film, the surface of the eyes becomes dehydrated, and this can cause the effects that are associated with dry eyes. Your tear film doesn’t have the perfect balance of components to make it effective.

• Tear film is made from oil, water, and proteins. In many cases of dry eye, there is a problem with the meibomian glands that are responsible for producing the oil found in tear film. The glands can become clogged, preventing enough oil from reaching the mixture and making your tears less effective at keeping the surface of your eyes hydrated and comfortable.
   

• Your tear film is draining too quickly. In a similar way to not producing enough natural tear film, if it drains from your eyes too quickly, you will experience the same dehydrating effects that often characterize dry eye.
  
   

What are The Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye?

There is a range of symptoms that are associated with dry eye. If you spot any of the following signs, it may be advisable to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor:

 

• Eyes feel stiff and dry

• Redness around the eyes

• Discomfort, such as irritation, grittiness, or burning

• Eye fatigue, especially after long periods of concentrating

• Blurred vision

• Stingy mucus in and around the eyes

• Excessive watering, which is the body’s emergency response to the dryness
  
   

Many people with dry eyes will find that their symptoms go away quickly, often without medical treatment. However, if you find that yours persistent for longer than a week, or if they are having a significant impact on your day-to-day life, it’s important that you seek help from your eye care professional.

 

What Are The Treatments for Dry Eye?

There’s also a variety of treatments that can be effective in relieving the effects of dry eye. However, since every patient is different it can mean that you need to try several options to find the variety of treatment, or even a combination of treatments, that works best for you. Some of the treatments that you may be recommended to try could include:

 

Artificial Tears:

These are designed to replicate natural tear film and can hydrate your eyes and eliminate your symptoms for a number of hours before re-administration is required.

 

Prescription Eye Drops:

If your dry eye is believed to be caused by inflammation or infection, you may be given prescription eye drops instead. These will contain ingredients designed to either reduce inflammation or treat the infection, which should help to alleviate your symptoms. There are also some medications that can help to stimulate tear production.

 

Warm Compress:

If your eye doctor thinks that you are suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction (where the glands don’t produce the oil needed for tear film), you may be asked to try using a warm compress on your eyes. This can help to loosen any hardened oils that may be clogging the ducts and contributing to your dry eye.

 

Punctal plugs:

If your eye doctor thinks that your tear film is draining too quickly, you may be recommended punctal plugs. Also known as lacrimal plugs, these are used to block the drainage holes in the corner of your eyes. The process to place these is simple and relatively painless. Some plugs dissolve over time, while others have to be surgically removed.

 

LipiFlow:

LipiFlow is another popular treatment for people whose dry eye is caused by problems with the meibomian glands. The treatment involves thermal pulsation – combining heat and massage to remove any blockages so that enough oil can enter your tear film, making it more effective.

 

If you are suffering from dry eye and would like professional help to alleviate your symptoms, our dedicated eyecare specialists would be happy to help.

 

Learn more about diagnosing & treating Dry Eye, contact Great Eye Doctor of Burleson in Burleson, TX at (817) 295-0186 to schedule an appointment.