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What is dry eye?
Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eye
healthy and comfortable. This is known as dry eye. The doctors
at Halpin - Poweleit Eye Center, located in Cincinnati,
specialize in the detection and treatment of dry eye.
Tears are produced by two different methods. One method
produces tears at a slow, steady rate and is responsible
for normal eye lubrication. The other method produces large
quantities of tears in response to eye irritation or emotions.
Tears that lubricate are constantly produced by a healthy
eye. Excessive tears occur when the eye is irritated by
a foreign body, dryness or when a person cries.
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
The usual symptoms include:
- stinging or burning eyes;
- scratchiness;
- stringy mucus in or around the eyes;
- excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind;
- excess tearing;
- difficulty wearing contact lenses.
Excess tearing from "dry eye" sounds illogical, but if the
tears responsible for maintenance lubrication do not keep
the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated. When the
eye is irritated, the lacrimal gland produces a large volume
of tears that overwhelm the tear drainage system. These
excess tears then overflow from your eye. |
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What causes dry eye?
Tear production normally decreases as we age. Although dry
eye can occur in both men and women at any age, women are
most often affected. This is especially true after menopause.
Dry eye can also be associated with other problems. For
example, people with dry eyes, dry mouth and arthritis are
said to have Sjogren's syndrome.
A wide variety of common medications-prescription and over-the-counter-can
cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion. Be sure to tell
your ophthalmologist at Halpin - Poweleit Eye Center the
names of all the medications you are taking, especially
if you are using:
- diurectics;
- beta-blockers;
- antihistamines;
- sleeping pills;
- medications for "nerves";
- pain relievers.
Since these medications are often necessary, the dry eye
condition may have to be tolerated or treated with "artificial
tears."
People with dry eye are often more prone to the toxic side
effects of eye medications, including artificial tears.
For example, the preservatives in certain eyedrops and artificial
tear preparations can irritate the eye. Special preservative-free
artificial tears may be required.
How is dry eye diagnosed?
An ophthalmologist is usually able to diagnose dry eye by
examining the eyes. Sometimes tests that measure tear production
may be necessary. One test, called the Schirmer tear test,
involves placing filter-paper strips under the lower eyelids
to measure the rate of tear production under various conditions.
Another uses a diagnostic drop (flourescein or Rose Bengal)
to look for certain patterns of dryness on the surface of
the eye.
How is dry eye treated?
Adding Tears
Eyedrops called artificial tears are similar to your own
tears. They lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture.
Artificial tears are available without a prescription. There
are many brands on the market, so you may want to try several
to find the one you like best.
Preservative-free eyedrops are available if you are sensitive
to the preservatives in artificial tears. If you need to
use artificial tears more than every two hours, preservative-free
brands may be better for you.
You can use the tears as often as necessary-once or twice
a day or as often as several times an hour.
Other more advanced treatments may be necessary for severe
dry eyes. |
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