Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome is an increasing issue for people in the United States and is a common complaint that many eye doctors hear from their patients. Some have referred to environmental factors, such as pollution or even the aging process as the cause for this increasing issue. Patients who suffer from this condition have often tried many solutions to try and combat this problem but the frustration still exists for many. About 20 million Americans are experiencing varying degrees of dry eye problems. This disorder is caused as a result of decreased tear production and a dryness in the tear film. The most common symptoms include pain from irritation, a sandy feeling, and lack of tolerance when wearing contact lenses. Dry Eye Syndrome is also described as either the lack of quantity or the lack of quality of the tear film in your eyes.

Why are your tears so important?

They have many functions. Not only do they protect the eyeball, but also they are the only vehicles to deliver nutrients to the eye surface (There is no blood supply). Not only are they part of your vision (they form the first lens of your eye), your tears also wash the eye clean, and lubricate the eyelid. Contact lenses float among the top of your tear film, not on your eyeball.

Does “Dry Eye” get better? Unfortunately there is no known cure and many of the dry eye causes and symptoms are related to age and it gets worse with age. Also how and where you live, work and play impacts the quality of your tears. For example, Air conditioning in the summer and dry heat in the winter help evaporate your tear. Stress, computer work, contact lenses and Lasik are factors why can have Dry Eye. Dust, smoke, skin debris also do not help.

Treatment for dry eyes

For the best analysis and treatment of your dry eyes please consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist. Many treatments start with a test to evaluate the actual severity of your dry eye condition. Drops or punctual plugs are often a first method of treatment. Other options include eye health vitamins and supplements to create a more healthy eye. There are some prescription medications now available such as Restasis®. RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion is the only prescription eye drop indicated to increase tear production which may be reduced by inflammation on the eye surface in patients with Chronic Dry Eye.

Patients suffering with dry eyes must see a physician to take an active role in a possible treatment process that can set the on a path for relief. If you or a family member are experiencing dry eye please make sure to consult a doctors directly. It is important to protect your eyes from further irritation.

(Courtesy of Igiene)

Learn more about dry eye syndrome on the following websites:

http://www.improveyourvision.com
http://www.dry-eye-syndrome.net