Dry Eyes Specialist

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eyes are a common problem experienced by many men and women, especially those who spend long periods of time using a computer or in smoky or polluted environments. Dry eye syndrome can also develop in people with lid abnormalities like entropion, where the lid turns inward, or ectropion, where the edge of the lid turns outward. Lid abnormalities make it more difficult for the tear film to be spread evenly across the surface of the eye. The condition can also develop in people who don't produce enough tears or when the tears produced are of inferior quality. Some medications can also cause dry eyes when used for a long time, and dry eyes can also develop in people with some types of autoimmune disorders, including Sjogren's syndrome and Graves' disease.

What kinds of symptoms are caused by dry eyes?

Dry eye syndrome can cause symptoms like:

• scratching, itching or burning

• gritty sensations

• foreign body sensation (the feeling that something is in your eye)

• heightened sensitivity to light

• eye strain or eye fatigue

• significant tearing

• blurry vision that gets worse over the course of the day

• discomfort while wearing contacts

In most cases, dry eye symptoms affect both eyes.

What treatments are available for dry eyes?

Dry eyes can cause significant discomfort if left untreated, and over-the-counter eye drops rarely provide anything beyond temporary relief. For a lasting relief of symptoms, prescription eye drops can help by augmenting your natural tears or reducing inflammation that can exacerbate symptoms. Oral anti-inflammatory medicines may also be prescribed, and in some cases, special lens-like inserts may be used to soothe and protect eyes. If blocked tear duct blockages are preventing tears from being dispersed, a simple surgery may be needed to unblock them.