Dry Eye Treatment

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment in Columbus, OH

Dry Eye Syndrome is one of the most common eye issues that we see each day at our practice. According to the AAO or American Academy of Ophthalmology over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes. At Complete EyeCare West we have a variety of treatment options available.

Understanding Your Natural Tears

Tears are comprised of three layers. The mucus layer coats the cornea, the eye’s clear outer window, forming a foundation so the tear film can adhere to the eye. The middle aqueous layer provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other important nutrients to the cornea. This layer is made of 98 percent water along with small amounts of salt, proteins and other compounds. The outer lipid layer is an oily film that seals the tear film on the eye and helps to prevent evaporation.

Tears are formed in several glands around the eye. The water layer is produced in the lacrimal gland, located under the upper eyelid. Several smaller glands in the lids make the oil and mucus layers. With each blink, the eyelids spread the tears over the eye. Excess tears flow into two tiny drainage ducts in the corner of the eye by the nose. These ducts lead to tiny canals that connect to the nasal passage. The connection between the tear ducts and the nasal passage is the reason that crying causes a runny nose.

In addition to lubricating the eye, tears are also produced as a reflex response to outside stimuli such as an injury or emotion. However, reflex tears do little to soothe a dry eye, which is why someone with watery eyes may still complain of irritation.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome has many causes. One of the most common reasons for dryness is simply the normal aging process. As we grow older, our bodies produce less oil 60% less at age 65 than at age 18. This is more pronounced in women, who tend to have drier skin then men. Oil deficiency also affects the tear film. Without as much oil to seal the watery layer, the tear film evaporates much faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea.

Many other factors, such as hot, dry or windy climates, high altitudes, air-conditioning, and cigarette smoke also cause dry eyes. Many people also find their eyes become irritated when reading or working on a computer. Stopping periodically to rest and blink keeps the eyes more comfortable.

Contact lens wearers may also suffer from dryness because the contacts absorb the tear film, causing proteins to form on the surface of the lens. Certain medications, thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency, and diseases such as Parkinson’s and Sjogren’s can also cause dryness. Women frequently experience problems with dry eyes as they enter menopause because of hormonal changes.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?

• Itching
• Burning
• Irritation
• Redness
• Blurred vision that improves with blinking
• Excessive tearing
• Increased discomfort after periods of reading, watching TV, or working on a computer

Dry Eye Treatment

If you’re looking for treatment options for Dry Eye Syndrome, there are many treatment options to consider:

Artificial Tears:

Artificial tears are the ideal treatment option for patients with mild dry eyes syndrome. Several causes of mild dry eye symptoms include reading, looking at screens too much, and other factors.

Lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can easily treat mild dry eye syndrome can be solved by using. Check with your doctor for a recommended brand of artificial tears.

Prescription Eye Drops:

If the dry eye condition is severe, prescription eye drops may be required. Restasis (Allergan) or Xiidra are two drugs your doctor may prescribe.

Eye drops relieve dry eyes by lubricating and reducing inflammation. You must use them for at least 90 days to determine if they help your symptoms.

Steroid Eye Drops:

A steroid eye drop may be prescribed if you are suffering from inflammation from your dry eye symptoms. Reducing inflammation is an essential part of treating dry eyes.

Other dry eye treatments you may find include:

• Meibomian gland expression
• Warm compresses
• Strong pulsed light treatments
• Punctal plugs

How to Test for Dry Eyes

There are several methods to test for dry eyes. The doctor will first determine the underlying cause by measuring the production, evaporation rate and quality of the tear film. Special drops that highlight problems that would be otherwise invisible are particularly helpful to diagnose the presence and extent of the dryness.

Closing the opening of the tear drain in the eyelid with special inserts called punctal plugs is another option. This works like closing a sink drain with a stopper. These special plugs trap the tears on the eye, keeping it moist. This may be done on a temporary basis with a dissolvable collagen plug, or permanently with a silicone plug.

There are also simple lifestyle changes that can significantly improve irritation from dry eyes. For example, drinking eight to ten glasses of water each day keeps the body hydrated and flushes impurities. Make a conscious effort to blink frequently especially when reading or watching television. Avoid rubbing the eyes. This only worsens the irritation.

Treating dry eye problems is important not only for comfort but also for the health of the cornea.

What are the Types of Dry Eye Syndrome?

A variety of different reasons can cause dry eye syndrome, and therefore, it can be treated by various methods.
Some of the types of dry eye include:

• Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye: a result of low tear production
• Evaporative dry eye: a result of tears that evaporate too quickly

Dry eye syndrome can also be known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dysfunctional tear syndrome, lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis, and more!

Does Dry Eye Syndrome Stop Naturally?

Some cases of dry eye syndrome can stop naturally. The only way to ensure your dry eye will go away naturally is through a proper diagnosis from an eye doctor. Only then can you know the cause of your dry eye.

If your dry eye is caused by medication, health problems, or environmental factors, it may go away naturally if adjustments are made. Some examples might be switching medication, addressing a health issue, or taking medication to combat environmental factors such as allergies.

What’s the Difference Between Dry Eye & Pink Eye?

While there are similarities between dry eye and pink eye, they are entirely different conditions with different treatment methods.

• Dry Eye Syndrome is caused by the eye having trouble staying hydrated, not making enough tears, or producing flawed tears.
• Pink Eye usually heals in its own time and doesn’t require medical attention. It is generally caused by allergens or foreign substances which irritate the eye.

It’s worth noting that you should see a doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms that accompany either condition, such as eye pain or a headache.

If you think you might have dry eye syndrome, request an appointment today!