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Dry Eye There are many possible causes of dry
eye. The most common include:
 The Aging Process
As we grow older, our eyes produce fewer lubricating tears. A condition
associated with arthritis, known as Sjogren's syndrome, can also dry out
the mouth and eyes. For Frequently Asked
Questions about Dry Eye click here.
Menopause and Pregnancy
While men and women of any age can be affected, women are more prone to
develop dry eyes after menopause and during pregnancy.
Contact Lenses
Dry eye is a major cause of contact lens discomfort. The reason is simple.
Wearing lenses frequently causes an increase in tear evaporation which
leads to irritation, increased protein deposits, infection, and pain.
Medication
Common medication such as decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics,
beta-blockers, sleeping pills, anti-depressants, pain relievers, and
alcohol can cause decreased in tear secretion. Frequent use of preserved
eye drops or artificial tears can also aggravate dry eye conditions.
Environment
Just about everywhere you turn in this world, you run into something that
can dry out your eyes. These include sunny, windy, dry conditions;
heaters, dehumidifiers, fans or air conditioners, high altitudes; smoke or
air pollution; sand, dust, or airborne pollen. The list is virtually
endless.
Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome
Dr. Sheiner may use a combination of several methods to
determine whether you have Dry Eye.
Eye Drops
A few drops containing dye in each eye will help your doctor to check for
any dry spots.
Color Bar Schirmer Test
This simple, painless test assesses tear volume. By placing the tip of a
specially treated strip of paper in the lower lid of your eye, Dr. Sheiner
is able to measure the amount of tears your eye produces in a five minute
period.
Temporary Closing of Tear Ducts
In this method, Dr. Sheiner will insert small dissolvable collagen plugs
into your tear ducts to prevent tear drainage and allow tears to build up
and bathe the eyes. Collagen plugs dissolve in just a few days. If you get
relief from your symptoms during the test period, Dr. Sheiner may
recommend permanent closure of your tear ducts with long-term plugs.
Short-Term Relief with Artificial Tears
For patients with less severe dry eye symptoms, artificial tears can often
offer immediate relief. Unfortunately, this remedy is usually temporary.
While artificial tears may soothe the eyes initially, they can increase
the possibility of infection by washing away the natural
infection-fighting tear film of the eye. This is why patients with
more severe cases of dry eye may benefit from having their tear ducts
permanently closed. This long-term solution allows patients to use their
own natural tears to treat their condition.
Long-Term Relief with Punctum Plugs
There is a simple non-surgical procedure that provides
long-term relief of Dry Eye that involves the use of permanent, yet
removable plugs called punctum plugs.
 Punctum Plugs
There are a number of reasons why punctum plugs have become the most
popular method of treating dry eye. They have a very high rate of success;
and they can be inserted easily and painlessly by Dr. Sheiner. They are
also reversible if too much tearing is produced.
The idea behind punctum plugs is simple. Tiny,
non-dissolvable plugs are inserted into you tear drainage ducts (puncta)
where they act as a dam. Therefore your precious tears have no place to go
but onto the surface of your eyes.
Why do my eyes feel this way?
Your eyes are a delicately balanced eco-system in which tears play a large
and important role. Every time you blink, tears form a coating that
protects and nourishes the eyes' surface. When tear production is reduced,
your eyes feel dry, scratchy and irritated.
Ironically, the tear producing glands sometimes react
to the dry, scratchy feeling by watering more than ever. But these "reflex
tears" do not relieve the dryness as they lack a natural component that is
essential to lubricate the cornea properly.
If you experience one or any combination of the
following symptoms, you may be suffering from a medical condition known as
Dry Eye:
Burning and stinging
Gritting feeling when there is nothing in your eye
Dryness
Itching
Sensitivity to bright lights
Mucous secretions in the eye
Schedule an appointment
with Dr. Sheiner to see if you have Dry Eyes and could benefit from
Punctal Plugs. |
