Understanding Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome can happen to you at any age, whether you are a man or woman. However, it is more prevalent in women, particularly after the onset of menopause. Symptoms of this chronic eye condition include a gritty sensation and stinging, blurred vision, scratchy or red eyes that are sensitive to light. Occasionally with dry eye syndrome, you may experience watery eyes which are your system’s way of trying to compensate for the dryness.
The major cause of dry eye syndrome is a decreased production of tears from the small tear glands that produce a continuous moisturizing and lubricating secretion. These small tear glands are not the same as your larger tear glands that produce “crying tears”. Approximately 400 drops of tears are produced by the small tear glands every single day in a normal eye. As part of the natural aging process, your level of tear production declines. For instance, an average 18-year old has approximately 60-percent more tear production than an average 65-year old. Pregnancy, arthritis, Vitamin A deficiency, contact lenses, environmental issues and certain medications have also been known to cause dry eye.
A complete medical eye examination at Yaldo Eye Center can normally determine whether or not you have dry eye syndrome. In some instances, one or more simple tests to measure the rate of your tear production may be performed.
Artificial tears are the most common, initial treatment method for dry eye syndrome. While a wide range of artificial tears are available over-the-counter, there are anti-inflammatory medications such as steroids and Restasis® that can be obtained by prescription only. In some cases, a lubricating ointment is prescribed for use at bedtime. Other treatments include a change in diet to increase your intake of fish oil and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Dry eye treatment is a stepped. If artificial tears and anti-inflammatory medications do not control this chronic condition, your ophthalmologist can perform a procedure to conserve the tears that your eye naturally produces. A temporary punctual occlusion is the first step. A collagen plug, about the size of a grain of rice, is inserted into the tear drainage canals of your lower eyelids. There is no pain or discomfort and no anesthesia is required. These collagen plugs prevent from 60% to 80% of your eye’s natural tears from draining into your nasal passages. After seven to ten days, the collagen plugs dissolve. If you experience relief during the temporary punctual occlusion, non-dissolving silicone plugs or cauterizing treatment to permanently narrow the drainage canals may be recommended. These procedures are done right at Yaldo Eye Care Center.
At Yaldo Eye Center we now offer the latest treatment for Dry Eyes in changing a customized nutritional supplements specially designed for Dry Eyes. OmegaMax© has proven efficiently in treating dry eyes including post lasik surgery. Ask us how to get this customized nutritional supplements.
We also offer the latest in surgical correction of dry eyes attributed to Conjunctivochalasis, a condition causing redundancy in the covering tissue of the eye, which leads to dry eyes. Ocular surface reconstruction done as an out patient basis.
If you are troubled with dry eye syndrome, see how the Board Certified Ophthalmologists at Yaldo Eye Center can help you with this common eye problem.
