Dry Eyes

Keratitis sicca or "dry eyes" is a chronic condition which is fairly common. "Dry eyes" does not mean the eye is dry, but that the eyes are not being properly lubricated. The onset of dry eyes may be a result of aging, arthritis, pregnancy, menopause, abnormalities of the eyelids or medications. At  age 65, your eyes produce about 60% fewer tears than at age 18. Exposure to sun, wind, smog, air conditioners, ceiling fans, forced heat and hair dryers may also contribute to a dry eye problem.

Most patients with dry eyes complain that their eyes feel gritty, burning, red or dry. Some patients feel like their eyelids stick together especially in the morning and some are overly sensitive to light. Frequently, excessive tearing can actually be a symtom of dry eyes.

There are three ways for the tears to leave the eye: by evaporation; by running over your eyelid and onto your cheek; and by running down into your nose through your lacrimal or tear ducts. Dry eyes cannot be cured at this time. the symptoms, however, can be alleviated through the use of: artificial tears, eye ointments, lid scrubs, oral supplements, oral and topical medications or by blocking the tear ducts.

All Dry Eye Patients should try to do the following:

Patients should minimize the use of ceiling fans during the day and at night. Air conditioner and heating vents in cars and homes should be directed away from the face. Using a humidifier is also helpful in reducing the symptoms of dry eyes. Replace air filters with a dust mite barrier. Consider having your air ducts cleaned. Consider aquariums or plant life in your working enviornment. Drink plenty of water.

Drinking plenty of fluids during the day is important in maintaining proper tear film.

Think you have dry eye?  Click here to fill out a simple questionnaire to find out.

 http://www.restasisprofessional.com/documents/OSDI_PAD.pdf