Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eye does not produce enough tears or the tears that are produced evaporate too quickly, leading to dryness, discomfort, and vision problems.
There are several factors that can cause or contribute to dry eye syndrome, including:
Age: Dry eye syndrome is more common in older people, especially women.
Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production and contribute to dry eye syndrome.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, and thyroid problems, can cause dry eye syndrome.
Environmental factors: Dry air, wind, and pollution can all contribute to dry eye syndrome. Prolonged computer use and reading can also cause dry eye syndrome.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause, can cause dry eye syndrome.
Eyelid problems: Eyelid problems, such as inflammation or misaligned eyelids, can cause dry eye syndrome.
The symptoms of dry eye can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Common symptoms of dry eye include:
Eye dryness: This is the most common symptom of dry eye and may be accompanied by a feeling of grittiness, scratchiness, or a burning sensation in the eyes.
Redness: Dry eye can cause the eyes to become red and bloodshot.
Discomfort: People with dry eyes may feel a sense of discomfort or irritation in the eyes, which can be worse in dry or windy conditions.
Eye fatigue: Dry eye can cause the eyes to feel tired, especially after long periods of reading or computer use.
Difficulty with vision: Dry eye can cause the vision to become blurry or fluctuate, especially in low light conditions.
Increased risk of eye infections: Dry eye can make the eyes more susceptible to infections.
There are several types of dry eye disease, including:
Evaporative dry eye: This type of dry eye occurs when the tear film of the eye is not stable and evaporates too quickly. It is often caused by a deficiency in the oily layer of the tear film, which helps to prevent evaporation.
Aqueous dry eye: This type of dry eye is caused by a deficiency in the watery layer of the tear film. It can be caused by certain medical conditions, such as Sjogren's syndrome, or by medications that decrease tear production.
Contact lens-induced dry eye: This type of dry eye is caused by the use of contact lenses, which can interfere with the natural production and flow of tears.
Glandular dry eye: This type of dry eye is caused by a deficiency in the glandular component of the tear film. It can be caused by medical conditions that affect the glands that produce tears, such as Sjogren's syndrome.
Mixed dry eye: This type of dry eye is a combination of evaporative and aqueous dry eye, and may involve a deficiency in both the oily and watery layers of the tear film.
Care options:
Prescription Eyedrops:
Xiidra (lifitegrast)
Restasis (cyclosporine)
Punctal plugs are small, silicone or collagen plugs that are inserted into the puncta, the small openings in the corners of the eyelids that allow tears to drain into the nasal cavity. They work by blocking the puncta, which helps to retain tears on the surface of the eye and increases moisture. They are typically inserted into the lower eyelid puncta, although they may also be inserted into the upper eyelid puncta if needed. Punctal plugs are usually temporary and can be removed if they are no longer needed or if they are causing any problems.
Punctal plugs are generally well-tolerated and can be an effective treatment for dry eye syndrome. They may be used alone or in combination with other dry eye treatments, such as artificial tears or medications.