Dry eyes

Our tears consist of water, oils, mucus, antibodies and special proteins. They are secreted by glands around the eye. These components serve a lot of purposes – they moisturize and lubricate the eye. They help to guarantee the smoothness and evenness of the cornea and the antibodies and special proteins help to fight against infection. Thus, the eye is dependent on the flow of tears to maintain its vision and comfort. Dry eyes are experienced when this tear system undergoes an imbalance. {{more}}

Dry eyes can cause pain, itching, redness, blurry vision and light sensitivity. A gritty sensation is felt in the eye, as if a foreign particle or some sand has gotten inside it. It might seem strange but sometimes a person with dry eyes experiences an excess of tears, but this is because the eye has sent a signal to the nervous system warning of dangerously low lubrication. To compensate for this dryness, the eye is flooded with tears. These tears are mostly just water and possess none of the lubricating qualities and original composition of actual tears.

The water in these tears can wash debris away but cannot coat the eye surface adequately. Because these emergency tears flow too late, the eye often needs treatment so that the normal tear film can regenerate. The inability to close the eyelids or environmental conditions such as heat or air conditioning may cause the tear film to dry out. In addition, a problem with the tear ducts or an underproduction of tears from the tear gland can also lead to symptoms. Certain medications such as birth control pills and antihistamines cause dry eyes as a side effect. The natural aging process can also lead to dry eyes, especially in menopausal women. Dry eyes are often associated with blepharitis and extreme dry eyes can lead to infections of the cornea.

Also, certain diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, collagen vascular diseases and rheumatoid arthritis affect the ability to produce tears. Treatment options with regard to dry eyes should be discussed with an ophthalmologist. Treatment of the underlying disease may help alleviate some of the symptoms.

The primary treatment is the use of artificial tear drops. Experiment with drops to find out which one is suitable for you. Thicker lubricants such as gels or ointments are more effective in extreme cases. Homeopathic (natural) tear drops are also helpful. Other treatments include temporary and permanent punctal occlusion. This is a painless procedure used to close ducts that drain the tears out of the eyes. If the temporary procedure works well, it can be done permanently. Chronic dry eye may also be treated with Restasis (a very effective drug), other medications (such as anti inflammatory drops in some cases) and surgery.

Dr Kenneth Onu is a resident Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Beachmont Eye Institute/Eyes R Us.

Send questions to: Beachmont@gmail.com
Tel: 784 456-1210