Preservative-free artificial tear solutions are recommended because they contain fewer additives, which can further irritate the eyes. These can be used as often as needed to supplement natural tear production. Mild cases of dry eyes can often be managed using over-the-counter artificial tear solutions. The primary approaches used to manage and treat dry eyes include adding tears using over-the-counter artificial tear solutions, conserving tears, increasing tear production, and treating the inflammation of the eyelids or eye surface that contributes to the dry eyes. Dry eyes can be a chronic condition, but a doctor of optometry can prescribe treatment to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable and to prevent your vision from being affected. Treatments for dry eyes aim to restore or maintain the normal amount of tears in the eye to minimize dryness and related discomfort and to maintain eye health. With the information obtained from testing, a doctor of optometry can determine if you have dry eyes and advise you on treatment options. Special dyes may be put in the eyes to better observe tear flow and to highlight any changes to the outer surface of the eye caused by insufficient tears. Measurement of the quantity and quality of tears for any abnormalities.Evaluation of the eyelids and cornea using bright light and magnification.
External examination of the eye, including lid structure and blink dynamics.Patient history to determine the patient's symptoms and to note any general health problems, medications or environmental factors that may be contributing to the dry eye problem.Testing with emphasis on the evaluation of the quantity and quality of tears produced by the eyes may include: stinging, scratching, or burning sensations.ĭry eyes can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye examination.People with dry eyes may experience irritated, gritty, scratchy or burning eyes a feeling of something in their eyes excess watering and blurred vision. Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes.Īdvanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair vision. Long-term use of contact lenses can be a factor in the development of dry eyes. Failure to blink regularly, such as when staring at a computer screen for long periods of time, can also contribute to drying of the eyes. Exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms. Also, problems with inflammation of the eyelids ( blepharitis), inflammation of the surfaces of the eye, or the inward or outward turning of eyelids can cause dry eyes to develop. People with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes. Certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production. Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause. The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes. Dry eyes are a part of the natural aging process. If the tears evaporate too quickly or do not spread evenly over the cornea due to deficiencies with any of the three tear layers, dry eye symptoms can develop.ĭry eyes can develop for many reasons, including: A smooth oil layer helps prevent evaporation of the water layer, while the mucin layer spreads the tears evenly over the surface of the eye. Each component protects and nourishes the front surface of the eye. Tears are made up of three layers: oil, water, and mucus. When the normal amount of tear production decreases or tears evaporate too quickly from the eyes, symptoms of dry eye can develop. Environmental conditions, such as wind and dry climates, can also decrease tear volume due to increased tear evaporation. Tear production tends to diminish with age, with various medical conditions or as a side effect of certain medicines. Tears are produced by several glands in and around the eyelids. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of a poor quality: Causes & risk factorsĭry eyes can occur when tear production and drainage are not in balance. Dry eyes can occur when tear production and drainage is not in balance. Excess tears in the eyes flow into small drainage ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids, which drain into the back of the nose. Tears provide lubrication, reduce the risk of eye infection, wash away foreign matter in the eye and keep the surface of the eyes smooth and clear. With each blink of the eyelids, tears spread across the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea. Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults.
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