What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye syndrome is an ocular surface disease that can affect the quality of your vision and overall ocular comfort. A comprehensive eye exam can help determine whether the symptoms that you are experiencing are related to dry eyes. Dry eye occurs when your eye does not produce tears properly, or when your tears are not of the correct composition and evaporate quickly. Tear film helps maintain visual sharpness. Other names associated with dry eye syndrome include Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dysfunctional tear syndrome, lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis, evaporative tear deficiency, aqueous tear deficiency, meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and Lasik-induced neurotropic epitheliopathy (LNE).
Dry Eye Symptoms
- Blurred Vision
- Stinging
- Difficulty Wearing Contacts
- Burning Sensation
- Tired Eyes/ Eye Fatigue
- Excessive Tearing
- Light Sensitivity
- Scratchy, feeling of sand or grit in eye
- Redness
Causes of Dry Eye
- Age-hormone changes (post-menopausal), health conditions, inflammation/infection Trauma/surgery/LASIK
- Medications- prescription and over-the counter medications such as Nasal decongestants, Diuretics, Beta-Blockers, Isotretinoin – a type of drug for treatment of acne, Antihistamines, Sleeping Pills, Anxiety Medications, Pain Relievers, Medications for urinary incontinence, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills (Since these medications are often necessary, your dry eye condition may have to be tolerated or treated)
- Rosacea- Rosacea is a common skin condition that causes redness and visible blood vessels on your face. Many people with rosacea also experience dry, irritated, swollen eyes and red, swollen eyelids.
- Caffeine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system and makes some drugs work more quickly and effectively. While found naturally in coffee, tea, and chocolate it is often added to colas.
- Nutrition: fat-free diets and Vitamin A deficiency
- Irritants: smoking, and secondary smoke, long term contact lens wear
- Allergens: pet dander, pollen, environmental pollutants
- Exposure: Tasks that require excessive concentration causing you to blink less often as in computer use, cell phone use and driving. Not wearing sunglasses while outside.
- Environmental factors: ceiling fans, low humidity air conditioning, and wind.
- Other Rare causes: Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid (OCP), and Collagen Vascular diseases. These affect the inner mucous layer of your tear film and prevents your natural tear film from adhering to your eye.
Treatment for Dry Eyes
At Lens Doctors, your treatment plan is customized for you. Our doctors may suggest using prescription and/or non-prescription eye drops, oral medications, lid hygiene products or special heat masks for at home treatments. They may also suggest some in-office treatments such as punctal plugs, Tear Care, Zocular treatments, and/or IPL.
Lifestyle modifications that may also help:
- Limit screen time
- Quit smoking
- Get enough sleep
- Take breaks from contact lenses
- Wear sunglasses outdoors
- Use a humidifier
TearCare®- This system utilizes both wearable and smart technology to deliver targeted thermal energy (heat) to your eyelids while allowing the eyelids to blink naturally.
Zocular®- These products contain unique okra-infused Zocusome micelles that gently lift and clear the oil, debris, and residue on your eyelid margins.
Intense-pulsed Light Therapy (IPL)- This is a type of light therapy generally used to treat chronic dry eyes caused by inflammatory conditions, rosacea, or MGD (meibomian gland dysfunction).
Tear Care Video
TearCare Animated Video from Sight Sciences on Vimeo.
