DRY EYE SYNDROME
FAMILY EYE CENTER helps patients everyday with issues pertaining to dry eye. If you feel that you are suffering from dry eyes or dry eye syndrome please make sure to contact us and we will be more than happy to evaluate your condition.
About Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome is a growing epidemic that has eye care professionals around the world concerned. Both optometrists and ophthalmologists are working together to evaluate and treat patients that suffer from this very distracting eye problem. Dry eye syndrome is similar to what it sounds like but constitutes a lack of lubrication or moisture in the eyes related to the tear film and production of natural tears. This syndrome can be caused by a wide variety of factors including the natural aging process, over the counter cold medicines, contact lens wear and environmental factors.
If you suffer from a scratchy, dry or a burning sensation you may be experiencing dry eye. In order to properly diagnose this problem you should come into our office for a visit with one of our dry eye specialists. At your visit we will conduct a test to determine the severity of the dryness. This test is called a Schirmer test.
Understanding The Tear Film
It is important to understand the tear film and how this relates to the dry eye disorder. The tear film is made up of three unique layers: an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucin layer. Small glands at the perimeter of the eyelid, called meibomian glands, produce the outer, oily layer of the tear film. The main purpose of this oily layer is to smooth the tear surface and decrease evaporation of tears. The middle, watery layer is the largest of the three layers, and it makes up most of what we ordinarily think of as tears. This watery layer is produced by small glands scattered through the conjunctiva, the delicate membrane lining the inside of eyelid and covering the eyeball, and by the major tear gland, the large lacrimal gland. The innermost layer consists of mucus produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva. This layer allows the watery layer to spread evenly over the surface of the eye and helps the eye to remain quite moist. Without mucus, tears would not stick to the eye.
What causes dry eyes?
The causes of dry eye syndrome are still being understood and researched by the medical community, but certain elements are known to cause dry eye. Various systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or Sjögren’s Syndrome can cause dry eyes. Additionally and previously mentioned are environmental factors. Some prescription medications and over the counter medications cause dry eyes as well as contact lenses usage. Some of the medications that cause dry eye are commonly known as Antihistamines. Antihistamines such as Benadryl, anti-depressants, and some blood pressure medications can contribute to dry eye problems. If you are a smoker and consume alcohol you have increased risk at developing dry eye syndrome