What is “Dry Eye”, exactly?
Dry eye is a condition where your eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to inflammation and discomfort. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and providing clear vision. When the tear production and drainage are not in balance, dry eye symptoms can occur. According to the National Eye Institute, it is more common in women than men, particularly after menopause.
What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye can present with a variety of symptoms, including:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- A feeling of having something in your eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery eyes, which is the body’s response to the irritation of dry eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
According to a study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, approximately 16 million Americans have been diagnosed with dry eye disease .
What are the Treatment Options for Dry Eye?
Fortunately, there are many treatments available to manage and alleviate the symptoms of dry eye. These include:
- Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief.
- Prescription Eye Drops: Medications like Restasis help reduce inflammation and increase tear production.
- Punctal Plugs: Tiny plugs inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tear drainage and keep the eyes moist.
- Eye Masks:This method improves tear production. Warm compresses provided by heated eye masks can stimulate the Meibomian glands in the eyelids, which are responsible for producing the oily layer of tears. This oil helps to keep the tears from evaporating too quickly.
- Lid Hygiene: Regular cleaning of the eyelids to remove debris and reduce inflammation. Avenova, the leading cleanser in lid and lash hygiene is now available at our office.
- Lifestyle Changes: Increasing humidity in the environment, taking breaks during screen time, and staying hydrated.
- Scleral Contact Lenses: One of the key features of scleral lenses is the fluid-filled reservoir that sits between the lens and the cornea. This reservoir provides continuous moisture to the eye, alleviating dryness and maintaining hydration.
