Chronic dry eye syndrome (DES) is usually caused by insufficient or decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation. Tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes and bacteria fighting substances. Typical symptoms of dry eyes are dryness, burning, itchiness, foreign body sensation (usually both eyes are affected). Dry eye syndrome can cause watery eye symptoms (due to eye irritation), but this excessive tearing does not make eyes feel any better as these tears will not have the lubricating features. Schirmer’s test is one way of confirming DES. Ocular surface inflammation may further aggravate the dry-eye condition, likewise dry eye can make allergy symptoms worse (tears are essential in tackling allergic responses as they help dilute and clear the allergens and irritants)

Dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that in many cases it can not be cured, but the accompanying symptoms such as dryness and burning can be alleviated. The diagnosis and treatment may be very complex. Artificial tears are usually the first line of treatment. Tears wash away dust and other irritants from the eyes, provide oxygen and nutrients to the cornea, lubricate and guard your eyes. Other common treatment options involve punctual plugs (which slow down or even stop the drainage of tears - it is also possible to have a temporary dissolving plug to see if it helps), For moderate to severe cases Restasis eye drops may be prescribed. In some cases an oral antibiotic such as tetracycline or an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid eye drop such as Alrex or Lotemax may be necessary. If the oily layer of the tear film is deficient specialists may suggest that you increase your consumption of oily fish and take flax seed oil as a dietary supplement.

Dry eye syndrome also means that your eyes are less protected from various irritants in our environment therefore air purifier and avoidance of irritant-prone areas may be helpful. Humidifiers are also considered to be helpful, however, if you have an allergy to dust mites it may make your symptoms worse since dust mites love humid conditions.

The name “dry eye” can be a little confusing since one of the most common symptoms is excessive watering! It makes more sense, though, when you learn that the eye makes two different types of tears.

The first type, called lubricating tears, is produced slowly and steadily throughout the day. Lubricating tears contain a precise balance of mucous, water, oil, nutrient proteins, and antibodies that nourish and protect the front surface of the eye.

The second type of tear, called a reflex tear, does not have much lubricating value. Reflex tears serve as a kind of emergency response to flood the eye when it is suddenly irritated or injured. Reflex tears might occur when you get something in your eye, when you’re cutting onions, when you’re around smoke, or when you accidentally scratch your eye. The reflex tears gush out in such large quantities that the tear drainage system can’t handle them all and they spill out onto your cheek. Still another cause of reflex tearing is irritation of the eye from lack of lubricating tears. If your eye is not producing enough lubricating tears, you have dry eye.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

* Watery eyes

* The feeling that there’s sand in your eyes

* Eyes that itch and burn

* Vision that becomes blurred after periods of reading, watching TV, or using a computer

* Red, irritated eyes that produce a mucus discharge

Causes of Dry Eye

* Age: As we get older, glands in the eyelid produce less oil. Oil keeps tears from evaporating off the eye. Decreased oil production allows tears to evaporate too quickly, leaving the eye too dry.

* Diseases including diabetes, Sjogren’s and Parkinson’s

* Hormonal changes, especially after menopause

* Prescription medications: These include some high blood pressure medications, antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, sleeping pills and pain medications. Over-the-counter medications including some cold and allergy products, motion sickness remedies, and sleep aids can also cause dry eye.

* Hot, dry or windy conditions: High altitude, air-conditioning and smoke can also cause dry eye.

* Reading, using a computer or watching TV

* Contact lenses

* Eye surgery: Some types of eye surgery, including LASIK can aggravate dry eye.

* Inflammation: Recent research suggests that dry eye may be caused by inflammation due to an imbalance of “good” fats and “bad” fats.

Diagnosing Dry Eye

Your eye doctor can check for dry eye by examining your eyes with magnifying instruments, measuring your rate of tear production and checking the amount of time it takes for tears to evaporate between blinks. The doctor can also check for pinpoint scratches on the front surface of the eye caused by dryness using special, colored eyedrops call fluorescein or Rose Bengal.

Treatments for Dry Eye

The most common treatment is use of artificial teardrops that help make up for the lack of natural lubricating tears. Artificial tear products come in liquid form, longer lasting gelform and long-lasting ointment form, which is most often recommended for nighttime use. Many different brands of artificial tears are available over-the-counter. Some contain preservatives and some do not. Unpreserved tears may be recommended for people whose eyes are sensitive to preservatives. Artificial tears can generally be used as often as needed, from a few times per day to every few minutes. You should follow the regimen your doctor recommends.

When infection, inflammation of the eyelids or clogged oil glands contribute to dry eye, special lid cleaning techniques or antibiotics may be recommended. It may also help to avoid hot, dry or windy environments or to humidify the air in your home or office.

Research is underway to test the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications and nutrients called fatty acids for treating dry eye. This research could lead to new treatment options in the near future.

Punctal occlusion is a medical treatment for dry eye that may enable your eyes to make better and longer use of the few lubricating tears they do produce.