Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common disease in which the eye under-produces tears or tears leave the eye too quickly. A normal functioning eye constantly produces tears to form a tear film which acts as moisturizer and lubricant. For someone with dry eye, the resulting lack of moisture and lubrication can cause a variety of problems.

There are many factors that can cause dry eye syndrome. A common cause of dry eye can be over the counter and prescription medications such as antihistamines, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, pain relievers and many others. Overuse of diuretics can also play a role in developing dry eye. For this reason, it is very important to inform your doctor about any medications you are currently taking, which can help the doctor in the proper diagnosis of the disease.

Diagnosis

Dry eyes can be diagnosed through a medical eye exam. Testing with emphasis on the evaluation of the quantity and quality of tears produced by the eyes may include:

• Patient history to determine the patient’s symptoms and to note any general health problems, medications or environmental factors that may be contributing to the dry eye problem.
• External examination of the eyelid, including lid structure and blink dynamics.
• Evaluation of the tear film osmolarity, homeostasis of the eye and ocular surface health.
• Measurement of the quantity and quality of tears to identify any abnormalities. 

The information obtained from the dry eye ancillary tests will determine your customized dry eye treatment options.

Treatments for dry eye:

• Artificial tears: Mild to moderate cases of dry eye syndrome may be treated by applying artificial tear eye drops as little or as often as necessary. There are a wide range of products available without a prescription that the doctor can recommend.
• Prescription medications: Can sometimes increase tear production for those with chronic dry eye. It does this by targeting inflammation in the eye.
• Conserving tears: An effective way to make better use of the tears in the eye is surgery to close the tear ducts, thus preventing existing tears from leaving the eye as quickly. This may be done temporarily with punctal plugs made of collagen or permanently with silicone plugs or by cauterizing the tear ducts closed.

Controlling one’s environment: Patients should avoid situations in which tears evaporate quickly; for example, by using a humidifier in a dry house, wearing wrap-around glasses in the wind and not smoking.