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Dry Eye Syndrome
(DES) is one the most commonly treated problems
in our office. The tears your eyes produce
are necessary for overall eye health and clear
vision. DES means that your
eyes do not produce enough tears or that you
produce tears which do not have the proper
chemical composition. Often, dry eye is part of
the natural aging process. It can also be caused
by blinking or eyelid problems, medications like
antihistamines, oral contraceptives and
antidepressants, a dry climate, wind and dust,
general health problems like arthritis or Sjogren's Syndrome and chemical or thermal burns
to your eyes.
If you have DES, your symptoms may include irritated,
scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes, a
burning sensation or the feeling of something
foreign in your eyes and blurred vision.
Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar
your cornea (the front covering of your eyes)
and impair vision and make contact lens wear
difficult.
If you have
symptoms of DES, see your eye doctor for a
comprehensive examination. Dry eye cannot be
cured, but your optometrist can prescribe
treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your
vision clear. Some treatments that your doctor
might prescribe include blinking more
frequently, increasing humidity at home or work,
using artificial tears and using a moisturizing
ointment, especially at bedtime. In some cases,
small plugs are inserted in the drainage tubes,
called the puncta, of the eyes to slow tear drainage.
Surgical closure of the drainage ducts may be
recommended.
If these
treatments aren't successful, a prescription
drop has been approved for the treatment of dry
eyes. This drop, called Restasis,
reduces dry eye-induced inflammation allowing
the body to produce its own tears naturally.
Call Dr. Scott's
office at 336-282-2273 or
request an
appointment today for a dry eye evaluation.
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