Dry eye
Help for eyes that feel dry, gritty, burning or watery.
From Dr. Terry
Dry eye can cause quite a few symptoms, anything from the eyes actually feeling dry to the eyes watering often, or having a burning, itchy, or irritated feeling. One of the most common symptoms is the eyes feeling gritty or like something is in your eye. Most people will often experience blurred vision since the tears, which comprise the outermost surface of the eye, are unstable.
Dry eye is multifactorial, and each person's dry eye is unique to them. To help prevent dry eye, make sure to consume 8 to 10 glasses of water per day to avoid dehydration. Some nutritional supplements, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil, can contribute to a more stable tear layer.
Remember to blink regularly and take breaks often when on a computer, cell phone or when watching television. During times of the year when there is less humidity, a humidifier might be helpful to provide more moisture in the air.
Signs
Dry eye is a chronic lack of lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Its effects range from minor irritation to being unable to wear contact lenses, and a higher risk of corneal inflammation and eye infections.
- Persistent dryness, scratchiness or burning
- A feeling that something is in your eye
- Watery eyes, as dryness can overstimulate tear production
- Blurred vision
These symptoms alone may be enough for a diagnosis. Sometimes your doctor will measure your tears with a thin strip of filter paper at the edge of the eye, called a Schirmer test.
Causes
With dry eye, the tear glands do not make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. It can come with the natural aging process, especially for women over 40, or as a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medicines, Parkinson's medications and birth control pills.
A dry, dusty or windy climate, air conditioning or dry heating, and not blinking enough while staring at a screen all play a part. It is also linked to conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea and Sjogren's syndrome, to long-term contact lens wear, and to eyelid problems.
Treatment
Dry eye is an ongoing condition that treatment may not cure, but the symptoms can usually be managed successfully.
Depending on your eyes, your doctor may recommend artificial tears, prescription drops that help your eyes make more tears, a short course of steroid drops, or a tiny insert that releases lubrication through the day. For more significant cases there are punctal plugs, which slow the drainage of tears. When blocked glands in the eyelid are the cause, warm compresses and an in-office procedure can help, and treating eyelid disease such as blepharitis helps too.
Check with your doctor before buying over-the-counter drops, since many cannot be used with contact lenses, and never stop or switch a medication without talking to the doctor who prescribed it. If you are considering LASIK, dry eye usually needs treating first.
Ask about dry eye
Tell our assistant what you are feeling and the office will find you an appointment.