Dry Eyes

Problems due to dryness of the eye are fairly common in persons who fall into one or more of the following categories:

• age 55 or older
• users of medications such as antihistamines, birth control pills, or diuretics
• residents of dry areas such as Arizona and Nevada
• workers in windy areas or in dry environments, such as aircraft cabins

The problems can range from minor grittiness and redness to severe corneal problems with major discomfort. Many patients come into the office complaining of itchy, burning, and/or watery eyes.

There are two types of tears that the eyes produce. The first is the thin, watery, salty tear which occurs when we cry or get something in the eye. Most people produce enough of this type of tears. The second type of tear is a thick, oily tear that is supposed to leave a layer of oil over your eye to protect your eye from drying. People who do not produce enough of this type of tear, for various reasons including those listed above, can develop dry eye syndrome. Often patients with dry eye syndrome complain of the eyes being too watery. This is the body's reaction to dryness, and it overcompensates by flooding the eye with the thin tears.

Treatment

The simplest form of treatment for dry eyes involves the use of artificial teardrops or lubricating ointments--sometimes as frequently as every few hours. Many brands are available without a prescription. Tear preparations are not all the same, however. Because of this fact, you may need to try more than one brand before you find the one that gives you the most relief. Here are a few brands that you can try, over-the-counter:

• Hypotears
• Genteal artificial tears
• Tears Naturale
• Thera Tears
• Refresh and Celluvisc

Tear ointment brands are (most commonly used before bedtime because they cause some blurring of the vision):

• Genteal artificial tears
• Lacrilube
• Duolube
• Refresh PM

Simply wearing ordinary glasses decreases the evaporation of tears to some extent because it decreases the air flow over the eye.  Another easy to implement solution could be as easy as using a humidifier in the bedroom to increase the room's relative humidity and decrease tear evaporation at night.

If the problem persists, the next step involves punctual plugs which mechanically block the openings that lead to the tiny channels that carry tears from the eyes into the nose.

One of the newest medications, formulated just for dry eyes, is Restasis (click link to visit the Restasis home page*).  Restasis, is designed to treat the inflammation underlying many cases of dry eyes.  In doing so Restasis allows your eye to more efficiently use not only the tears one makes, but also those artificial tears placed in the eye to fight the symptoms of dry eyes.

Although dry eye syndrome is not a threat to your vision, it can be a very annoying problem. With good hygiene and frequent lubrication, you can be comfortable again.

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