Overview
Dry eye is a condition where a person has insufficient tears to lubricate the front surface of the eye. Tears are necessary for providing clear vision and nutrition to the front of the eye. Each blink of the eyelids spreads tears across the front surface of the eye. Tears provide lubrication, reduce risk of eye infection and wash away dust and dirt. Excess tears drain away from the eye through ducts at the inner corners of the eyelids. Dry eye may result from a poor balance between tear production and drainage.
Tears are made by several glands in and around the eyelids. Tear production reduces with age or as side effects of certain medications. The wind, air conditioning and dry weather can also reduce the number of tears as they tend to evaporate quickly from the eyes.
Many people also find their eyes become red and irritated when working on the computer. Stopping to blink regularly helps keep the eyes more comfortable. As we grow older, the body naturally produces fewer oils. Contact lens wearers may also experience dryness, as the contact lens absorbs the tear film. Certain medications, vitamin A deficiency and thyroid problems can also cause dryness. Women often experience problems as they enter menopause due to hormonal changes.
Symptoms
- Grittiness
- Irritation
- Scratchy feeling
- Burning sensation
- Excessive watering
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
Diagnosis
Dry eyes can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination. Patient history is taken to determine any symptoms, health problems, medications taken or environmental problems that may be contributing to the problem. At the end of the evaluation, your optometrist will be able to determine if you have dry eyes and advise you on treatment options.
Treatment
Everyone has slightly different needs, your optometrist can advise you on treatment to help keep your eyes healthy and more comfortable.
The main approaches include:
- Adding tears – using over the counter artificial tears.
- Conserving tears – by blocking the tear ducts with tiny gel-like plugs
- Increasing tear production – using ointments and treating inflammation of the eyelids with eyelid cleaners or warm compress.
Simple lifestyle changes can also significantly improve irritation from dry eye, this may be drinking eight glasses of water each day to keep the body hydrated, blinking regularly when reading or working on a computer. Wearing sunglasses outdoors will reduce exposure to drying winds and sun. Taking supplements that contain essential fatty acids can help retain moisture.