Dry Eye

Dry eye is a condition characterized by a range of uncomfortable symptoms, such as eye pain, burning sensations, redness, and a gritty feeling as if something is in the eye. Temporary blurred vision can occur, especially while reading. While the term is "dry eye," you might surprisingly experience watery eyes. This occurs as the tear glands overproduce tears in an attempt to soothe irritation, although these tears are of poor quality and do not effectively alleviate the discomfort.

Causes

Dry eye syndrome can stem from factors affecting tear production and evaporation. Common causes include:

• Insufficient Tear Production: Aging and medical conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis can decrease tear production.

• Hormonal Changes: Hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women, can contribute to dry eyes.

• Medications: Antihistamines and treatments for high blood pressure may reduce tear production.

• Eye Surgeries: Procedures such as LASIK might temporarily impair the eye's ability to produce tears.

• Rapid Tear Evaporation: Blockage of the meibomian glands, often linked to skin conditions like rosacea, can lead to rapid tear evaporation.

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry or windy conditions can worsen tear evaporation.

Recognizing these causes is vital for effectively managing and alleviating dry eye discomfort.

Symptoms

Individuals with dry eye may experience various symptoms, including:

• Burning, stinging, or discomfort in one or both eyes.

• A gritty or scratchy sensation.

• Persistent eye redness.

• Temporary blurred vision during activities like reading.

• A sticky mucus-like residue around the eyes.

• Heightened sensitivity to light.

• Excessive tearing or watery eyes.

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses.

• Challenges with night driving due to impaired vision.

• Eye fatigue affecting daily activities.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive eye exam by an eye care professional. They will review patient history and assess symptoms like stinging and burning. Tests may include the Schirmer’s test to measure tear production and the tear breakup time (TBUT) test to evaluate tear evaporation. The eye might be stained to detect corneal damage, and a slit lamp examination can assess tear quality. These evaluations are critical for developing an effective treatment plan.

Treatments

Treatment usually combines various approaches tailored to individual needs. Over-the-counter Artificial Tears are a common starting point, with some formulations designed to reduce tear evaporation. Preservative-free versions are safer for frequent use. Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help ease symptoms. For persistent cases, prescription medications like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) may reduce inflammation and increase tear production. Punctal plugs, tiny inserts in tear ducts, can help maintain moisture. Lifestyle changes, humidifiers, and protective eyewear offer additional relief. Advanced treatments like thermal pulsation therapy or nasal sprays may be necessary for severe cases. Consulting an eye specialist to create a personalized treatment plan is essential.

Medications

Several prescription medications are available for managing dry eye:

• Medicated Eye Drops: Restasis (Cyclosporine), Xiidra (lifitegrast), and Miebo (perfluorohexyloctane) help reduce inflammation and prevent tear evaporation.

• Prescription Nasal Spray: Tyrvaya (Varenicline) increases tear production.

• Autologous Serum Tears: Personalized drops made from your blood, beneficial if other treatments fail or if dry eye is due to an autoimmune condition. Not available at typical pharmacies.

Consulting an eye specialist to determine appropriate treatments based on individual symptoms is advisable.

Prevention

To prevent dry eye symptoms, consider these steps:

• Use a humidifier to maintain air moisture.

• Avoid direct air from hair dryers, fans, or heaters.

• Take breaks during reading or computer work, and blink frequently.

• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.

• Avoid smoke exposure.

• Regularly use artificial tears for moisture.