Understanding Dry Eyes

Understanding

DRY EYES

Dry Eye is common

Ages 18-34

According to a recent study cited by the American Optometric Association, more than 16 million Americans suffer from dry eyes. Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of a poor quality. This is a common and often chronic problem, particularly as we age.

Ages 75+

Ages 35-74

16 MILLION COMPLAINTS Ages 18-34: 2.7%

Ages 35-74: 78.7%

Ages 75+: 18.6%

Females

2 to 1

more likely

Gender matters, too. When it comes to dry eye, two times more women than men suffer from the condition.

What are the symptoms?

Physical symptoms of dry eye vary and can include: • • • • •

Gritty feeling Blurry vision that comes and goes Foreign body sensation Burning sensation Difficulty with contact lenses

In addition, you may notice: • Consistently red eyes • Excessive tearing/watery eyes • Stringy mucus in and around your eyes REMEMBER: Get regular eye exams and always consult your doctor if you notice any changes in your vision.

Dry eyes can develop for many reasons, including:

Age Dry eyes are a part of the natural aging process.

The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes.

Gender Women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives and menopause.

Medications Certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.

Medical Conditions People with certain diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes.

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.

Environmental Conditions Exposure to smoke, wind and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms. 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.

Other Factors Long-term use of contact lenses can be a factor in the development of dry eyes. Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can also decrease tear production and contribute to dry eyes.

How do tears work?

Tears are responsible for providing clear vision and maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye (cornea). Blinking spreads our tears across the front surface of the eye, providing lubrication, washing away irritants and reducing the risk of eye infection. Our tear film is constantly being replaced, so the eyes have a drainage system (punctum) located in the corner of the eye near the nose. Excess tears drain into the nose from ducts in the inner corners of the eyelids. Dry eyes can occur when tear production and drainage are out of balance.

Lacrimal Gland

Upper Canaliculus Lacrimal Sac

Lower Canaliculus Nasolacrimal Duct

The anatomy of tears Tears are made up of three layers: Oily (Lipid) layer – The outermost layer of the tear film, produced by meibomian glands, which are located on the surface of the eyelids, near lashes.

Oily Layer

Water Layer

Water (Aqueous) layer – The bulk of our tear film, produced by the lacrimal gland, which is located on the outer portion of the upper eyelids.

Mucin layer – Produced by goblet cells located on the surface of our eyes, is responsible for evenly distributing tears across the surface of eyes.

Mucin Layer

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Types of Dry Eye Inadequate amount of tears Tears are produced by glands in and around the eyelids. Tear production tends to diminish with age, with various medical conditions or as a side effect of certain medicines.

10-15% of cases

Aqueous Deficient Eyes are unable to produce enough tears to sufficiently lubricate the eyes.

OR Tears are draining from the eye faster than they can be replenished.

Evaporative Dry Eye

85-90% of cases

Environmental conditions, such as wind and dry climates, can also decrease tear volume due to increased tear evaporation. When the normal amount of tear production decreases

or tears evaporate too quickly from the eyes, symptoms of dry eye can develop.

This is most commonly due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). With this condition, meibomian glands are unable to secrete adequate meibum (oily/lipid layer of tear film) to prevent tears from evaporating.

Comfort and Care for Your Eyes

Blink Remember to blink regularly when reading or looking at a computer screen for long periods of time.

Moist Environment Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air at work and at home.

Protective Eyewear Wear sunglasses outdoors to minimize exposure to the wind and the sun. Larger, wraparound styles will offer the most protection.

Hydrate Fight dehydration by drinking plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses) every day.

Treatments for Dry Eye Dry eyes can be a chronic condition. Your doctor can prescribe treatments to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy, including: • Artificial tears (non-prescription, over-the-counter) to supplement your own tear film • Prescription eyedrops to increase your own tear production • Punctal plugs to reduce tear drainage • Nutritional supplements to improve tear quality • Eyelid treatments to improve overall tear film and stability

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