Taking the Dread Out of Dry Eye

Blogger’s note: Our vision is a priceless gift that should never be taken for granted. Having endured four surgeries to correct strabismus has helped me place great importance in keeping my eyes healthy. Moebius Syndrome hinders my ability to produce natural tears so I use artificial tears to help ease the effects of dry eye (Refresh, Bausch & Lomb and Systane are a few of the brands I use). If you are battling dry eye, I hope this blog brings some valuable information to offer some comfort.
Tears provide a moisture barrier protecting the sensitive front parts of our eyes from harsh elements in the environment. When there is a change in the quality of tears or an insufficient amount of tears are produced, dry eye is the result. Learning some simple facts about dry eye can aid those who suffer and prevent further damage to vision.
Lacrimal glands, located above each eyeball, continually produce tears that are spread across the eyes every time a person blinks. Excess tears drain through the tear ducts back into the nose. Tears serve in lubrication, reducing the risk of eye infection, washing away foreign matter in the eye and keeping the surface of the eyes smooth and clear.
A tear consists of three layers: oil, water and mucus. The oil layer helps prevent evaporation of the water layer. The mucin layer works in spreading tears evenly over the eye’s surface. If there is a problem in any of these three layers, dry eye can develop. Symptoms of dry eye are irritated, gritty, scratchy or burning eyes, excess watering, feeling like there is something in the eyes and blurred vision.
Dry eye may result from numerous factors, including the following:
Age. Dry eye is a part of growing older and usually affects those over the age of 65.
Gender. Due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause, women are more likely to experience dry eyes.
Medications. Medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medicine and antidepressants can reduce tear production.
Medical conditions. Persons with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid conditions may have dry eye symptoms. Inflammation of the surface of the eye or inward or outward turning of the eyelids may cause dry eye. Moebius Syndrome can affect eyelid closure, thus causing dryness and irritation to eyes.
Blepharitis. This is one of the most common disorders of the eye in which there is chronic inflammation of the eyelids.
Environmental conditions. Exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates may increase tear evaporation. Failing to blink regularly while operating a computer for long hours (Computer Vision Syndrome) also helps to dry the eyes.
Other factors. Extended use of contact lenses and refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can reduce tear production.
Dry eye is usually diagnosed during a thorough eye examination where an optometrist checks the cornea and eyelids using bright light and magnification. A special dye may be used in the eyes to evaluate tear flow and any changes on the outer surface of the eye.
Taking proper precautions in treating dry eye can prevent damage to the front surface of the eye. An optometrist may prescribe eye drops to increase tear production. For mild cases, over-the-counter artificial tear solutions are recommended. Blocking tear ducts with tiny silicone or gel-like plugs that can be removed are another way of keeping tears in the eyes longer. Use of prescription eye drops, ointments, warm compresses, eyelid massage or eyelid cleansers reduce inflammation around the surface of the eyes.
Additional steps to help ease discomfort include: remembering to blink regularly and take frequent breaks while operating a computer; increasing the level of humidity in the air at home and at work; wearing protective eyewear outdoors; using nutritional supplements containing fatty acids and drinking at least eight to ten glasses of water a day.

References
American Optometric Association
Aging Eye Times
Mayo Clinic