Dry Eyes
Definition:
Dry eyes occur when an insufficient amount of eye fluid causes decreased lubrication and uncomfortable dryness on the eye surface. The eyes are covered with a constant layer of tears which helps ward off infection, eliminate foreign substances and provide for overall eye health and proper vision. This layer is composed of oil, water and mucus, which each play a role in developing a strong eye lubricant. Dry eyes most commonly result from an insufficient proportion of water in tears. However, they can also stem from inadequate overall tear production or other deficiencies.
Symptoms:
Patients with dry eyes may experience the following symptoms:
- Stinging, burning or other sensations of irritation
- Mucus in or around the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye fatigue
- Inability to wear contact lenses
- Tearing
- Blurred vision
Exams/Testing:
If dry eyes are severe enough to warrant a doctor’s visit, your doctor may conduct certain tests to determine the extent of your tear production. Your doctor may conduct a Schirmer tear test, in which blotting strips detect the amount of tears produced by your eyes during a five-minute duration. Special dyes may also be inserted into the eyes to detect the level of tear production on the eye surface.
Your doctor will also conduct a general eye examination in conjunction with a survey of your medical history. This can help detect whether the use of particular medications or other underlying health conditions are the cause of your dry eyes.
Outlook/Prognosis:
Many cases of dry eyes can be treated with over-the-counter artificial tear solutions that serve as an adjunct to the body’s natural tear production. Prescription eye drops are also available to help stimulate production of tears in the eyes.
Patients with chronic dry eyes that do not respond to such measures may undergo more drastic treatment options. These may include using removable gel-like plugs to close off the tear ducts of the eyes and prevent the loss of fluid. These ducts may also be blocked off permanently through a surgical procedure. Other surgical procedures and medication treatments may be used to help treat dry eyes resulting from inflammation.
Causes:
A variety of factors may lead to dry eyes including:
- Aging
- Dry climate
- Exposure to sunlight
- Smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke
- Eye injury or trauma
- Eye surgery
- Sjogren’s syndrome
- Inflammation of the eyelids
- Use of decongestants or other medications
Postmenopausal women are more likely to experience dry eyes than others.
Causes (specific drugs):
-
May 9, 2011, 1:27 pm
-
May 6, 2011, 1:37 pm
-
May 5, 2011, 12:55 pm
-
May 4, 2011, 1:29 pm
