Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye: Understanding Symptoms and Treatment

February 22, 2022 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Dry eye: you have heard the term before, but do you really know what it is? Dry eye is a little more complicated than it sounds, and the resulting consequences go beyond simple dryness. With the widespread use of face masks to reduce disease transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen that dry eye symptoms are increasing in our patients who are regularly wearing them. Research from the University of Utah published in the journal Ophthalmology and Therapy suggests that face masks without a tight fit can direct airflow from breathing up and across the eye surface, facilitating evaporation that promotes dry eye.

Dry eye can also be caused by a number of underlying conditions, ranging from the natural aging process to side effects of prescription drugs, structural problems with the eye lids (lid margin disease, blepharitis) and side effects of certain diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other collagen vascular diseases.

Your eye depends on tears, a combination of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies, to provide constant moisture and lubrication in order to maintain not only comfort, but also proper vision. When there is an imbalance in the tear system, a person can experience dry eye. If you are experiencing eye stinging or burning, itching, inability to keep eyes open for long periods of time, the constant feeling of something in your eye, or excess tearing, then you may be suffering from dry eye. It is important to bring these symptoms up to your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – to start treatment as soon as possible.

Thankfully, there are several treatments currently available for dry eye. Eye drops, which are artificial tears that can help keep your eyes properly lubricated, are an over-the-counter method of treating dry eye. Also, certain medications and topical steroids are non-invasive methods that can be used to temporarily bring the tear film to a healthy and stable state. These treatment options are typically successful, but there are also surgical options, such as temporary and permanent punctual occlusion, that your eye doctor can consider if symptoms persist.

If you believe you are experiencing dry eye, whether it is a chronic issue or if your symptoms started because of regularly wearing a face mask, it’s vital to let your eye care provider know. While untreated chronic dry eye may cause permanent damage to your eye, there are very successful and accessible treatments available. Even if you are not suffering from dry eye, these dry eye symptoms may be caused by another eye disorder which may need treatment by a specialist.

For more on this topic or other questions, contact Anne Arundel Eye Center. The staff is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone – call 410-224-2010.

What is Dry Eye?

November 21, 2017 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Dry Eye: you have heard the term before, but do you really know what it is? Dry eye is a little more complicated than it sounds and the resulting consequences go beyond simple dryness. These include pain, light sensitivity, itching, redness, and even blurry vision. So you have to ask yourself, “What is Dry Eye?”

Dry eye can be caused by a number of underlying conditions, ranging from the natural aging process to side effects of prescription drugs, structural problems with the eye lids (lid margin disease, blepharitis)and side effects of certain diseases, such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and other collagen vascular diseases.

If you believe you are suffering from dry eye, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – as soon as possible. Your eye depends on tears, a combination of water, oils, mucus, and antibodies, to provide constant moisture and lubrication in order to maintain not only comfort, but also proper vision. When there is an imbalance in the tear system, a person can experience dry eye.

Treating Dry Eye

There are several treatments currently available for dry eye, including:

Eye Drops: Artificial tears can help keep your eyes properly lubricatedsupplimenting your natural tears. Artificial tears are available over-the-counter.
Punctual occlusion (Temporary and Permanent): Temporary punctual occlusion involves the temporary plugging of the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. If this proves to be successful in providing an adequate supply of tears, permanent punctual occlusion may be an option. And, as you may have guessed, permanent punctual occlusion is the permanent plugging of the tear drains (though plugs can be removed by your eye doctor).
Medication: Medications, such as Restasis, can greatly improve the quality of life for a patient with dry eye. Topical steroids may be used temporarily to bring the tear film to a healthy and stable state.
Surgery: The ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye.

“Patients often ask me, ‘How can my eyes be dry? They are constantly tearing,” said board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles. “Well, the tearing is actually your body’s response to your dry eyes.”

If you have any questions about Dry Eye or if you wish to schedule an appointment with Anne Arundel Eye Center, please contact Dr. Boles and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

Source:

Dry Eyes WebMD

Suffering from Dry Eye? You’re Not Alone

November 13, 2015 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), nearly five million Americans above 50 years of age suffer from dry eye. It’s a startling number, but a reminder of how common dry eye is, and how many people are affected. Luckily, treatment is available and most options are successful. If you feel you may be a victim of dry eye, a visit to your Annapolis, MD eye center may be in order.

But what are the dangers of leaving dry eye untreated? Who is most as risk? What should you look for? These are all common questions when it comes to dry eye, and they’re all answered below:

The Risk Factor

Although dry eye can inflict anyone of any age, there are certain situations where dry eye is more likely. You are more at risk to develop dry eye if:

You are over the age of 50
You are a woman who has experienced menopause, especially prematurely
You are a woman on hormone replacement therapy
You have had refractive eye surgery (LASIK)
You have skin disease on or around the eyelid, or eye diseases such as a gland dysfunction
You have allergies or immune system disorders

This list is not inclusive. If you think you may have dry eye, it’s vital to let your eye care provider know, because untreated chronic dry eye may cause permanent damage to your eye.

Common Dry Eye Symptoms

Know what to look for. If you have any of these common dry eye symptoms, bring them up to your eye specialist:

stinging or burning eye
constant feeling of something in the eye
pain and/or redness in the eye
not able to produce tears, or producing excess tears followed by few or no tears
eye fatigue

Even if you are not suffering from dry eye, these symptoms may be caused by another eye disorder which may need treatment by a specialist.

What can my Eye Specialist do for me?

It’s important to know your options when discussing dry eye with your eye specialist. Treatment options for dry eye include:

Treatment of underlying conditions which may be causing dry eye
Anti-Inflammatory medications, such as Cyclosporine
Change of contact lens brand (for contacts wearers)
Punctal Occulsion surgery, for some cases
Restasis

The main thing to remember is there are many treatments for dry eye, and they are very successful and accessible treatments.

Let Your Anne Arundel Eye Center Specialist Know About Your Dry Eye

The Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC) always welcomes new patients. Led by board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, AAEC offers complete ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. AAEC is a regional leader in the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye, and our state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

Schedule an Appointment

If you have any questions about Dry Eye, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010. AAEC is staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals who will help guide you on your healing journey.

How to Treat Dry Eye

October 2, 2015 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

Every time a person blinks, a film of tears spreads over the surface of the eye to make it smooth and clear. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes people just do not produce enough tears or the right quality of tears necessary to maintain healthy vision and comfort. This condition is known as Dry Eye.

While it may sound odd, people with dry eye may find their eyes produce quite a bit of tears as the eye responds to the irritation of the condition.

The Anatomy of a Tear

Tear film consists of three layers, each with its own unique purpose:

Oil or Lipid Layer: The outermost layer of the tear film is produced by the meibomian glands. Its primary purpose is to keep the tears nice and smooth while minimizing evaporation.
Watery Layer: The middle layer of the tear film is produced by the lacrimal glands. Its primary purpose is to wash foreign debris from the eye.
Mucus Layer: The inner most layer of the tear film is produced by the conjunctiva. Its primary purpose is to keep the eye moist. Without mucus, tears would simply not stick to the eye.

Tears are produced in two ways. 1) The eye makes tears at a slow, steady rate, keeping the eye well lubricated to maintain normal vision and comfort. 2) The eye makes tears as a response to irritation, like when foreign debris enters the eye, or emotion.

While it may sound odd, people with dry eye may find their eyes produce quite a bit of tears as the eye responds to the irritation of the condition.

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye

Stinging or burning eyes
Gritty or scratchy sensation – feeling like ‘something’ is in the eye
Cannot keep eyes open for very long
Varying vision clarity
Sensitivity to light
Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
Itching
Redness and excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind

Excess tearing
Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
Blurred vision / Blurry vision
Fluctuating vision
Tearing
Crusty scaling around eyelashes
Styes, bumps on the eyelid that are raised and painful to the touch

A 2007 American Journal of Ophthalmology study reported that individuals with Dry Eye Syndrome were hampered when trying to perform normal, everyday activities like reading, driving, using the computer, and more.

Diagnosing and Treating Dry Eye in Annapolis

Led by Dr. Boles, the Anne Arundel Eye Center (AAEC), located in Annapolis, Maryland, offers complete ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. AAEC’s state-of-the-art treatment center is dedicated to making the best eye care accessible to everyone.

Schedule an Appointment

Anne Arundel Eye Center always welcomes new patients.

Managing Dry Eye at Home

An important part of controlling Blepharitis and Dry Eye involves daily lid hygiene at home:

Warm Compress

Wet a cloth with very warm water and place it over closed eyes for 5-10 minutes

Clean Lids and Lashes

Clean lids with baby shampoo or Ocusoft Lid Scrubs
Scrub gently side to side across the lashes with closed eyes

Massage

Using the tip of your finger, press along the base of lashes
Repeat a few times on upper and lower lids
Don’t hurt yourself, but do use firm pressure!
Repeat morning and evening as directed

If you have any questions about Dry Eye, please contact Dr. Boles, Dr. Kathryn Gurganus Turner, and the eye care specialists here at AAEC by calling 410-224-2010. AAEC is staffed by caring and knowledgeable professionals who will help guide you on your healing journey.

Are your Dry Eyes affecting your Quality of Life? Find out what to do!

September 20, 2012 by Anne Arundel Eye Center

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Your eyes rely on tears to provide moisture, lubrication, and comfort. Dry Eye Syndrome is a common eye disease in which the quantity or quality of tears is diminished. This can lead to eye irritation, fatigue, visual disturbances, and of course, dryness of the eyes.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

There is no one cause of Dry Eye Syndrome.

The most common cause of dry eyes is age. As we grow older, our tear production diminishes. This leaves most individuals over the age of 65 with at least some symptoms of dry eye.

The simplest treatable underlying cause for dry eye symptoms is Blepharitis.

Another cause of Dry Eye Syndrome is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). Failure of these glands to produce or secrete oil – due to chronic blockage, thickening of the meibum, etc. will negatively affect the tear film, which in turn will result in dry eye symptoms.

Dry eyes can be a side effect of medications, like antihistamines, blood pressure medicine, and antidepressants.

Dry eyes can develop as a symptom of another medical condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems.

Dry eyes can even develop from the long-term use of contacts.

And more.

As you can see, there are several ways in which an individual can develop dry eyes.

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?

There are several signs and symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome, including:

Pain

Sensitivity to light

A gritty sensation

Feeling like ‘something’ is in the eye

Itching

Redness

Blurred vision / Blurry vision

Varying vision clarity

Dryness

If you feel you may be experiencing any of the above symptoms, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor – optometrist or ophthalmologist – as soon as possible. While there is no cure for dry eyes, there are several treatment methods that can be taken to alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes and restore and enhance the health and the quality of the normal tear film. We don’t just want to treat symptoms, but we want to address and attack the underlying CAUSE to help restore healthier ocular surface.

How is Dry Eye Syndrome Treated?

If you are diagnosed with Dry Eye Syndrome, you have several treatment options, including:

Artificial tears

Punctal Occlusion (Temporary and Permanent)

Medications, like Restasis

Surgery

To find out which dry eye treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. He/she will be able to diagnose your specific situation and guide you on the right treatment path.

To learn more about Dry Eye Syndrome, please contact board certified ophthalmologist Dr. Samuel Boles, consultative optometrist Dr. Nathan Frank, and the eye care specialists at Anne Arundel Eye Center by calling 410-224-2010 or click here to visit AnneArundelEyeCenter.com.

Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the Anne Arundel Eye Center offers comprehensive specialized ophthalmic exams as well as diagnostic pre and post-surgical eye care. Specializing in glaucoma and cataracts, Dr. Boles has helped restore and preserve thousands of patients’ vision. Vision problems may be a natural part of aging. Losing your vision doesn’t have to be.

For more eye care advice and information, please take a look at our previous blog posts.

You can also follow Anne Arundel Eye Center on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and YouTube as well!

Sources:

Dry Eye Syndrome May Cut Life Quality