Tears are designed to lubricate a person’s eyes. Dry eye is a condition in which the patient either does not produce enough tears, or they produce tears that don’t lubricate the eyes effectively. It is a common condition, especially in older adults. Left untreated, dry eye can eventually cause vision loss. At Live Oak Ophthalmology, we are experienced in the identification and treatment of dry eye to help maintain your vision.
What are Tears?
The tear film consists of three layers: an inner layer of mucus, a middle layer of water, and an outer layer of oil. Every time somebody blinks their eyes, they spread tears across their corneas or front surface of the eyes. The tears lubricate the eyes and protect the surface by washing away foreign objects. They also help prevent infections.
Types of Dry Eye
The most common type of dry eye is called Dry Eye Syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) or aqueous tear-deficient dry eye. In this type, the eye doesn’t produce enough of the watery layer of the tears.
In evaporative dry eye, the glands that produce the oily part of the tears aren’t working properly. Since the oily layer keeps the tears from evaporating too quickly, its absence causes the tears to dry too quickly.
The different types produce similar symptoms that can include the following:
- Red and sore eyes
- Episodes of blurred vision
- Burning or stinging in the eye
- A gritty feeling as if something were in the eye
- Very dry eye periods followed by excess tears
- A stringy discharge from the eye
- Inability to cry
- Heavy eyelids
- Discomfort or pain when wearing contact lenses
- Tired eyes
- Decreased ability to perform activities that require sustained visual attention, like reading or working on a computer
What are the Causes?
Hormonal changes associated with aging are the most common cause of Dry Eye. Most people over 65 have at least some of the symptoms of Dry Eye. Women are especially likely to develop Dry Eye after menopause.
Conditions that affect the tear glands or tear ducts can cause Dry Eye. That includes autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. Conditions that reduce sensation in the cornea can also reduce the secretion of tears. Examples include Diabetes and Herpes Zoster. Pronged use of contact lenses and some eye surgeries can also reduce sensation in the cornea. Allergies and skin diseases on or around the eyelids can also cause this condition.
Many medications can reduce tear secretion and cause Dry Eye such as nasal decongestants, antihistamines, Parkinson’s Disease medications, tranquilizers, anti-depressants, birth control pills and some blood pressure medications. Hormone replacement therapy can cause dry eye in women, especially if they are taking only estrogen. There are several other potential causes as well that can be discussed with our medical team.
How is Dry Eye Treated?
The first step in treating this condition is to determine its cause. Our experienced physicians at Live Oak will evaluate your individual condition and develop a treatment plan to help alleviate your Dry Eye symptoms and maintain proper vision.
Contact Live Oak Ophthalmology today to schedule a consultation and have your Dry Eye properly evaluated and treated.