Dry Eyes

What are Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a condition caused by eye dryness due to decreased tear production or increased tear evaporation. It can occur alone or in association with certain systemic diseases.

Patients with dry eye often complain of a foreign body sensation in the eye. Burning and gritty eye irritation often worsens as the day progresses. Other symptoms include itching, stinging, scratchiness, tired eyes, pain, redness, pressure, light sensitivity, or mucous discharge. Excess tearing can also occur secondary to chronic inflammation and irritation.

DES is more common among women, particularly after menopause. Patients who have a condition called Sjögren’s syndrome will usually have dry eye; so will others with similar systemic diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid disease. Patients who have had LASIK or other refractive surgery and those who wear contact lenses long term are particularly at risk of dry eye syndrome. Individuals who are sensitive to certain climates (such as windy, dry air) or to environmental factors like cigarette smoke or air conditioning may develop dry eye when they are exposed to these conditions. Because people who work long hours at a computer are less likely to blink often, they are susceptible to drying of the cornea.

Treatment for Dry Eyes

A wide variety of approaches are available for treatment including avoidance of exacerbating factors, tear stimulation and supplementation, increasing tear retention, eyelid cleansing, and treatment of ocular inflammation. In some instances, the drainage system of the eyelids may need to be close using a small procedure in the office in order to keep more of the natural tear on the surface of the eye.