Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Consistently having itchy, burning eyes may be symptoms of an increasingly common condition that is becoming increasingly more common, dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome can be caused by the eye’s inability to produce an adequate amount of tears or the inability to produce the correct quality of tears. Often times, dry eye syndrome is a result of multiple co-existing conditions that affect tear production.

The tears that hydrate the eye’s surface are produced by glands in and around the eyelids. As we age, the amount of tears produced by these glands decreases. Additionally, certain systemic conditions, medication use and various environmental conditions decrease tear production.

Those individuals suffering from autoimmune conditions (particularly Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis) are at an increased risk for Sjogren’s Syndrome, a condition in which the body attacks glands related to tear production. It can decrease the volume of tears produced.

More commonly, individuals with dry eye syndrome produce a normal volume of tears, however, the tears do not contain the correct amounts of oil, water, and mucous. This can cause the tears to evaporate quickly or not adequately coat and stick to the eye’s surface. A normal composition and amount of tears are vital to providing lubrication, reducing the risk of eye infection, washing away foreign matter in the eye, and keeping the surface of the eyes smooth and clear for optimal vision.

What are the common symptoms of dry eye?

Individuals with dry eyes experience many symptoms including irritated, gritty, scratchy, or burning eyes. Some individuals experience a foreign body sensation (the feeling that something is in their eye). They may also experience excess watering or tearing, and fluctuating vision throughout the day.

How do you treat dry eye?

• Adding tears: Many times, mild cases can be treated using over the counter artificial tears. These drops help supplement natural tear production and many companies offer preservative-free solutions, which contain fewer additives that can sometimes irritate eyes even more.
• Conserving tears: For people who don’t produce enough tears, removable gel or silicone-like plugs can be inserted into the drainage system of the eye to increase the amount of tears that remain on the eye’s surface.  
• Increasing tear production: For more moderate cases, an optometrist may prescribe eye drops that increase tear production. These eye drops work on the immune system of the ocular surface to decrease inflammation and promote healthy tear production.Treatment of contributing eyelid issues: Due to the close proximity of skin and eyelashes, supplemental therapy may be needed to decrease the bacteria load in and around the eyelashes that may be exacerbating dry eyes. Treatments may include a combination of lid hygiene, warm compresses and topical medications.
• Treatment of contributing eyelid issues: Due to the close proximity of skin and eyelashes, supplemental therapy may be needed to decrease the bacteria load in and around the eyelashes that may be exacerbating dry eyes. Treatments may include a combination of lid hygiene, warm compresses and topical medications.

Once you have been diagnosed with dry eye, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your symptoms:

• Remember to blink regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen/phone for long periods of time.
• Increase the level of humidity at work and at home.
• Wear sunglasses outdoors, particularly the wrap around frame design, to reduce exposure to drying winds and sun.
• Use nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids to decrease dry eye symptoms. Ask your eye doctor if dietary supplements would be helpful.
• Ensure you stay hydrated by drinking eight to 10 glasses of water each day.
• Comply with all recommendations set forth by your optometrist, including artificial tear/prescription dosing schedules and other therapies that have been initiated

The Eye Institute’s Dry Eye Clinic provides comprehensive dry eye evaluations, using the latest technology, and recommended thorough, individualized treatment plans for each patient.

If you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, contact the dry eye experts at The Eye Institute. For an appointment, call: 215.276.6111.