Vision Care: Dry Eye

What is dry eye?

The tears your eyes normally produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or produce tears which do not have the proper chemical composition.

What causes dry eye?

Dry eye symptoms can result from the normal aging process, exposure to environmental conditions, problems with normal blinking or from medications such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives or antidepressants. Dry eye can also be symptomatic of general health problems or can result from chemical or thermal burns to the eye.

What are the signs/symptoms of dry eye?

The most common signs/symptoms include stinging, itchy, scratchy and uncomfortable eyes; and sometimes having a burning feeling or a feeling of something foreign within the eye. You may experience increased dry eye symptoms on awakening. Some people experience an overly wet eye. This is a natural reflex to comfort a dry eye.

How is dry eye diagnosed?

During the examination, your doctor of optometry will ask you questions about your general health, your use of medications and your home and work environments to determine any factors which may be causing dry eye symptoms. This information will help your doctor decide whether to perform dry eye testing. These tests use diagnostic instruments, which allow a highly magnified view of your eyes and usually use special dyes. They allow your doctor to evaluate the quality, the amount and the distribution of tears to detect signs of dry eyes.

Can dry eye be cured?

Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eyes' sensitivity can be lessened and measures taken so your eyes remain healthy The most frequent treatment is the use of artificial tears or tears substitutes. For more severe dry eye, ointment can be used, especially at bedtime. In some cases, small plugs may be inserted in the eyes' tear drainage canals to slow outflow and loss of tears.

Will dry eye harm my eyes?

If dry eye is untreated, it can harm your eyes. Excessive dryness can damage normally moist tissues and possibly scar the cornea of your eye, impairing vision. Dry eye can make contact lens wear more difficult due to increased irritation and can increase the chance of eye infections. To keep dry eye symptoms in check, you and your doctor of optometry need to work together. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. If you have increased dryness or redness of your eyes that is not relieved by the prescribed treatment, let you optometrist know as soon as possible.

(from the American Optometric Association)