DRY EYE DISEASE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Background:
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 16 million Americans suffer from dry eye disease. Dry eye disease (DED) can negatively affect not only your vision but also your quality of life. Its prevalence is increasing, and it can affect people of all ages. DED is chronic and progressive, making diagnosis and treatment paramount.
What are symptoms of DED?
Symptoms can vary in intensity and duration, but often include:
• Burning and stinging
• Foreign body sensation or “gritty” feeling
• Chronic red eye
• Blurred vision, especially fluctuation in vision
• Tearing
• Pain
• Contact lens intolerance
Common causes include:
• Systemic health (ex. history of Diabetes, autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis or Sjogren’s syndrome)
• Medication use (ex. antidepressants and/or anxiety medication, antihistamines, certain acne medications)
• Age (tear production decreases with age, especially over the age of 50)
• Hormonal changes (greater prevalence in post-menopause)
• Environment (ex. exposure to smoke, wind, certain chemical exposure)
• Screen time/digital use (the blink rate decreases significantly with use of computers and/or cell phones, causing increased tear film evaporation)
• Chronic contact lens use (contact lens misuse can lead to damage of the corneal nerves)
• Certain eyelid conditions can contribute to DED (ex. history of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Blepharitis, ocular rosacea, ectropion)
How is dry eye diagnosed?
Your eye doctor can perform specific tests to assess your tear film quality and production. Your eyecare specialist will also assess other contributing factors including the health of your eyelids.
• Tear break up time: This test tells how quickly the tears evaporate off the eye.
• Schirmer test: How many millimeters of tears does your lacrimal gland produce?
• Meibomian gland function: Are your eyelids producing proper quality oil?
• Ocular surface staining: Certain dyes help highlight unhealthy cells on the ocular surface.
Treatment options:
Fortunately, your eyecare specialist at Atlantic Eye can offer you a multitude of different dry eye treatments tailored to the severity of your case. Treatment can range from lifestyle adjustments, nutraceuticals, eyelid treatments/management, and healthier contact lens options, to OTC or prescription eye drops, prescription nasal spray, or punctal plugs. In severe cases, your doctor can discuss more specialized treatments offered at Atlantic Eye, such as clinical procedures like LipiFlow, amniotic membrane therapy, or autologous serum tears.
Summary:
Dry eye syndrome is a medical condition that, if left untreated, can negatively impact both your vision and your quality of life. Fortunately, with proper care and patience, the condition is manageable. If you may be experiencing signs or symptoms of dry eye, consult your eyecare specialist at Atlantic Eye today.
Belén Healy, OD, FAAO
Optometry
Atlantic Eye
If you are interested in scheduling an eye exam with one of our award-winning physicians, please call us at 732-222-7373 or use our convenient online appointment form.