Diagnosis: Dry Eye Syndrome
- What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
- What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?
- How is Dry Eye Syndrome treated?
- Dry Eye Resources
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome is a common problem for all ages, but it is more prevelant as we get older. It occurs when your tears are not sufficient to keep the front surface of the eye, your cornea, well lubricated. The cornea needs constant lubrication by tears to stay healthy. Tears are made up of three components: an outer layer of oil, a middle layer of water and an inner layer of mucus. If the eye does not produce enough tears, or if the composition of your tears is not balanced, your eyes will not be properly lubricated. The result may be blurry vision, scratchy, itchy eyes and pain.
What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye symptoms may include any of the following:
|
|
How is Dry Eye Syndrome treated?
Dry Eye Syndrome is generally a condition that is not cured (depending on the cause), but it can be managed. The most common approach to controlling mild dry eye syndrome is with the use of artificial tears to lubricate the cornea. There are many over-the-counter solutions and ointments designed to replenish natural tears.
However, artificial tears only offer temporary symptom relief and do not address the underlying problem, which often is inflammation. Now there is an FDA approved prescription eye drop called Restasis designed to decrease inflammation, thereby helping to make tears that are more efficient in lubricating the eye. This not only increases the patient's comfort but also prevents more serious damage from occurring.
