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What is
a Dry Eye?
Many times in our lifetime, we will experience a "foreign
body sensation" in our eye. That usually happens if the wind blows
dust, an allergen or a foreign body into our eye or under an eyelid.
This should not be dismissed as just an uncomfortable feeling. It
needs to be remedied. It cannot be allowed to linger or fester.
For many, the feeling of grittiness, dryness, burning or stinging or
even excessive tearing cannot be relieved simply, or with over the
counter methods. It may be the sign of a chronic condition known as
dry eye syndrome.
Yes, even tearing eyes are a sign of dry eye.
The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health and
clear vision. Dry eye means that your eyes do not produce enough
tears or that you produce tears that do not have the proper chemical
composition. Often, dry eye is part of the natural aging process. |
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Dry Eye can also be caused
by blinking, 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.
The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health
and clear vision. Dry eye means that your eyes do not produce
enough tears or that you produce tears that 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. |
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If you have symptoms of dry eye, see us immediately for a
comprehensive examination. Dry eye cannot be cured, but we may be
able to prescribe treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your
vision is unaffected. Some treatments that we 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 corner of the eyes to slow tear drainage. Sometimes, surgical
closure of the drainage ducts may be recommended.
Any condition that reduces the production, alters the composition,
or impedes the distribution of the preocular tear film (POTF) may
cause a noticeable irritation to the structures of the front surface
of the eye and a degradation of vision. These conditions are often
related to problems with the structure or function of the eyelids,
cornea, or conjunctiva. |
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Depending upon the severity of
symptoms, individuals may be limited in their
ability to see clearly and comfortably and may be at
increased risk of developing secondary infection or
chronic inflammation that may not respond to
treatment.
If you have dry eye, your symptoms may include
irritated, scratchy, dry, uncomfortable or red eyes,
a burning sensation, excessive tearing, blurred
vision, or a feeling of something foreign in your
eyes. 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. |
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| The two most commonly encountered
ocular surface disorders are tear film disorders and blepharitis.
Additional subclassifications include those “dry-eye” states
associated with systemic connective tissue disorders, specifically
Sjögren syndrome (SS). With lipid deficient tear-film disorders,
meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) may be involved. |
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An estimated one-fifth of visits to
eye care practitioners are related to ocular complaints
secondary to dry eye, and as many as 25 percent of
American adults may be affected by dry eye or have dry
eye symptoms. These statistics indicate a significant
need for access to professional care. |
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| We perform specific tests to assist in
differentiating the various forms of tear film abnormalities and
identifying potential treatment strategies. Careful clinical
observation, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate intervention can
eliminate or minimize the deleterious effects of ocular surface
disorders on the quality of life. |
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