It is estimated that approximately one third of all Americans suffer from symptoms related to dry eyes. The symptoms may include burning, redness, foreign body sensation and excessive watering. There is a natural protective mechanism that produces extra tearing when the eyes are dry. However, these reflex tears are not as thick or stable as the normal tear film and they generally cause the eyes to water but don not solve the dryness problem.

There are predisposing factors for dry eye. Studies have shown that a hormonal deficit, as with menopausal women, is a common cause of dry eye. This happens due to decreased function of the gland that secretes the tears.

Environment also plays an important role in dryness. Air conditioners, heaters and fans remove moisture from the air and increase symptoms of dry eye. In addition, a work environment which causes a person to spend significant time on the computer often leads to dryness, as people tend to blink less frequently while working on the computer. Other important environmental factors include smoking and significant caffeine intake.

Contact lens wear is another culprit. Even in good fitting contact lenses and lenses made from material that keep more moisture on the eyes, the tear film is thinner with contact lens wear than without. If symptoms are mild and if other factors are controlled, rewetting eye drops can help. The best eye drops in this case are non-preserved drops that state they may be used with contact lenses.

Medications are another important consideration. Medication for treating blood pressure and allergies, antidepressants and oral contraceptives are common causes of dryness. In addition, topical creams that get into the tears and eye drops with irritating preservatives may increase dryness.

Treatment is non-preserved rewetting drops, eye gel or more viscous eye drops or punctual plugs. The punctual plugs are very small pieces of medical grade plastic which are comfortably inserted into the opening where the tears drain. The tears can still drain, but not as fast.

Systemic diseases are frequent considerations in dry eye. conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome and acne rosacea are high risk factors for dry eye. These can cause a decrease in the watery component of the tear film, or problems with the glands on the lids, both of which cause severe dry eyes. Treatment is rewetting drops, eye gel, punctual plugs and sometimes medicated drops and oral medication. When possible, other environmental factors discussed above are eliminated. Lastly, nutrition and changes in diet may help. Studies have shown that flax seed oil is very helpful for dry eye treatment.

If you have any questions regarding dry eye symptoms, the cause or available treatments, please ask Dr. Kossol.