Dry/Eye Syndrome
WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE SYNDROME?
DES has many causes, which explains why millions are affected.
The most common causes include:
- The Aging Process
Tear flow normally decreases with age. In fact, approximately 75% of individuals over age 65 suffer from DES symptoms. - Contact Lens Wear
Contact lens wear can dramatically increase tear evaporation, causing discomfort, infection, and/or protein deposits. Research shows that DES is the leading cause of contact lens intolerance. - Hormonal Changes In Women
Various hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, oral contraceptives and menopause can contribute to DES. - Environmental Factors
People who are exposed to smoke, air pollution, high altitude, sunny, windy, cold or dry air conditions are at risk for DES. - Side Effects Of Disease/Medications
These are several diseases and medications which can lower your ability to produce tears. Be sure to give your doctor a complete medical history.
WHAT TREATMENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
Depending on the intensity of the condition, treatment may be as simple as using artificial tears a few times a day. In more persistent cases, however, a simple non-surgical procedure is available that provides long-term relief of DES through the use of tiny plugs called "punctual occluders."
WHAT IS DRY EYE SYNDROME?
Your tears function to keep the eyes lubricated and comfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome is caused when the tear glands in the upper and eyelids do not produce enough tears and/or the tear ducts drain too much tears off the eye surface. This phenomenon causes the eyes to feel irritated, scratchy, burning, red and uncomfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) it the most common of all eye disorders, affecting approximately 20% of our population.
THE COMPLEXITY OF TEARS
Your eyes are moistened by two different types of tears: lubricating tears and reflex tears. Lubricating tears are produced continuously to moisturize the eye and contain natural infection-fighting antibiotics. Reflex tears are produced in response to sudden irritation (smoke, onions, foreign particles), injury or emotion. Ironically, the irritation from dry eyes can trigger reflex tears, which flood the eye. But because reflex tears do not have the proper lubricating composition, the discomfort persists,. Thus, "watery eyes" can actually be a symptom of DES.
