Dry Eyes

An estimated 16 million adults in the U.S. are diagnosed with dry eye disease. An often chronic ocular disease, dry eye is associated with inflammation that may eventually lead to damage to the surface of the eye. An eye care professional can diagnose dry eye disease based on signs and symptoms and determine management options, which could include the use of a prescription treatment.

The eye depends on the flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. Tears are a combination of water, for moisture; oils, for lubrication; mucus, for even spreading; and antibodies and special proteins, for resistance to infection. These components are secreted by special glands located around the eye. When there is an imbalance in this tear system, a person may experience dry eyes.

When tears do not adequately lubricate the eye, a person may experience:

  • Pain
  • Light sensitivity
  • A gritty sensation
  • A feeling of a foreign body or sand in the eye
  • Itching
  • Redness
  • Blurring of vision

Sometimes, a person with a dry eye will have excess tears running down the cheeks, which may seem confusing. This happens when the eye isn't getting enough lubrication. The eye sends a distress signal through the nervous system for more lubrication. In response, the eye is flooded with tears to try to compensate for the underlying dryness. However, these tears are mostly water and do not have the lubricating qualities or the rich composition of normal tears. They will wash debris away, but they will not coat the eye surface properly.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

In addition to an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, dry eyes can be caused by situations that dry out the tear film. This can be due to dry air from air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. Other conditions that may cause dry eyes are:

The natural aging process, especially menopause.

Side effects of certain medications such as antihistamines and birth control pills.

Diseases that affect the ability to make tears, such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and collagen vascular diseases.

Structural problems with the eyelids may not allow the lids to close normally at night.

In addition to an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, dry eyes can be caused by situations that dry out the tear film. This can be due to dry air from air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. Other conditions that may cause dry eyes are:

The natural aging process, especially menopause.

Side effects of certain medications such as antihistamines and birth control pills.

Diseases that affect the ability to make tears, such as Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and collagen vascular diseases.

Structural problems with the eyelids may not allow the lids to close normally at night.

Though dry eyes cannot be cured, there are a number of steps that can be taken to treat them. You should discuss treatment options with an ophthalmologist. Treatments for dry eyes may include:

  • Artificial tear drops and ointments. The use of artificial teardrops is the primary treatment for dry eye. Artificial tear drops are available over the counter. No one drop works for everyone, so you might have to experiment to find the drop that works for you. If you have chronic dry eyes, it is important to use the drops even when your eyes feel fine, to keep them lubricated. If your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an ointment, at night.
  • Temporary punctal occlusion. Sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. This is first done via a painless test where a plug that will dissolve over a few days or weeks is inserted into the tear drain of the lower eyelid to determine whether permanent plugs can provide an adequate supply of tears.
  • Permanent punctal occlusion. Sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye. This is first done via a painless test where a plug that will dissolve over a few days or weeks is inserted into the tear drain of the lower eyelid to determine whether permanent plugs can provide an adequate supply of tears.
  • Punctal cautery. If the punctal plug falls out or causes irritation, punctal cautery can be performed to the lower punctum of the eyelid. Approximately 80% of the tears that the eye makes drain through the lower punctum which is located on the inner corner of the lid. This area can be scarred closed with cautery which allows more tears to remain around the eye to keep it lubricated.
  • Restasis. In 2002, the FDA approved the prescription eye drop Restasis for the treatment of chronic dry eye. It is one of the prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production with continued use.
  • Xiidra. In 2016, the FDA has approved Xiidra (lifitegrast ophthalmic solution) 5%, a twice-daily prescription eye drop indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease in adult patients. Xiidra is the only prescription eye drop indicated for the treatment of both signs and symptoms of dry eyes.
  • Other medications. Other medications, including topical steroids and omega 3 fatty acids taken orally, may also be beneficial in some cases.
  • Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in activity after having this surgery.