Dry Eyes

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition in which there is a deficiency in the quality and/or quantity of tears produced by the eyes. Tears perform an important function for the eye in keeping it clean, lubricated, providing nutrition and establishing a smooth surface at which the eye refracts light.

Typical symptoms of dry eye include dry or gritty sensation, scratchiness, itching, burning, pain, eyelid heaviness, intermittent blurred vision and intermittent tearing. Symptoms are usually worse later in the day, with prolonged use of the eyes and in conditions of heat, wind and low humidity.

Many patients with dry eye syndrome complain of intermittent tearing. Normally the lids produce a small amount of tears to keep the eyes lubricated and healthy. If this baseline tearing is of poor quality or of insufficient quantity to keep the eyes healthy, a message will be sent to the brain to cause a reflex flow of tears from the main lacrimal gland. This is usually a large volume of watery tears that may not provide adequate lubrication. In other cases, the eyes may attempt to make up for poor quality tears with an increased quantity of tears. In either case, artificial lubricants can help decrease the tearing.

Dry eye syndrome is rarely a serious problem, but it is almost always a nuisance. Treatment initially begins with artificial lubricants, usually drops given 3 to 6 times a day. Warm wet soaks with a clean washcloth can also be used when the eyes are especially irritated. Artificial tears work best when given on a scheduled basis rather than in response to symptoms. After beginning therapy with artificial tears, it may take several weeks of continuous use before long lasting improvement in symptoms is achieved.

More severe cases of dry eye may require the use of an ointment or gel at bedtime, and/or the use of non-preserved artificial tears every hour or two during the day. Patients with severe symptoms may also consider closure of the tear drainage system (punctual occlusion) which allows the patient's own tears to remain on the eye longer.

All artificial tears are not created equal. Many have preservatives that can cause further irritation, especially if used frequently. Gently preserved artificial tears may be used up to 4-6 times a day. If more frequent use is required or for especially sensitive eyes, non-preserved tears should be used.

TearLab Test

McDonald Eye Associates is proud to offer TearLab, a test for diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome. TearLab analyzes the balance of all nutrients, water, antibodies, proteins, and other substances that make up your tear film. The test measures the salt content, which is a measure of the concentration (or osmolarity) of the tears. The higher your osmolarity, the greater the severity of the disease.

The TearLab test takes less than 30 seconds from sample to answer and does not hurt. A tear is collected from the corner of the lower eyelid, not from the eye itself, and takes only 1-2 seconds.  While Dry Eye Syndrome can affect both eyes, it does not always do so at the same time. It’s important to test both eyes and take the higher of the two eyes’ measurements for the doctor to determine if you have dry eye.

If you think you are suffering from dry eye, be sure to ask your McDonald Eye Associates doctor about TearLab.