Eyecare Greengate

WHAT IS DRY EYE SYNDROME?

Dry Eye Syndrome is actually a collection of symptoms that make up an eye condition that stem from an imbalance in the quantity or the quality of tears. These symptoms include dry, red, gritty and even watery eyes. Often dry eye suffereres report the feeling of something foreign within the eye or eye strain.

	Causes
	The moisture level in the eye is maintained by the balance of tear production and tear loss through drainage and evaporation. When this balance is not sustained, dry spots appear on the eye's surface and cause irritation.

	As odd as it sounds, many dry eye sufferers experience "wet eye" due to the tear glands over-producing watery, or reflex tears to compensate for a lack of a balanced tear film.

	Dry Eye Syndrome, if left untreated can damage tissue and possibly scar the cornea of the eye, leading to irreversible, sight threatening conditions

GETTING TREATMENT

Dry Eye Syndrome is an ongoing condition that can be treated through proper care and management.

A variety of prescription and non-prescription eye drops are available, each with a different range of capabilities. Your eyecare professional can help determine which will fit your symptoms and circumstances best. Check with your doctor before purchasing an over-the-counter eye drop. Chances are they may only temporarily relieve the condition.

If the problem is environmental, you should always wear sunglasses when outdoors to prevent exposure to sun, wind & dust. An air purifier can help ease the dryness indoors, while a humidifier can help by adding moisture to the air.

In some severe cases, plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to trap tears in the eye or to slow tear drainage. Insertion of these plugs is quite painless and can be done in the doctor's office. Normally, these plugs cannot be felt once they have been implanted. In very severe cases, surgery may be recommended.

If not treated, dry eye can damage tissue in the eye and lead to impaired vision. If you have dry eyes, ask a doctor at Eyecare greengate to schedule a dry eye screening for you.