Dry Eye

Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eye comfortable. This is known as dry eye.

Tears are produced by two different methods. One method produces tears at a slow, steady rate and is responsible for normal eye lubrication. The other method produces large quantities of tears in response to eye irritation or emotions.

Tears that lubricate are constantly produced by a healthy eye. Excessive tears occur when the eye is irritated by a foreign body or when a person cries.

The usual symptoms include:

• Stinging or burning of the eyes
• Scratchiness
• Stringy mucous in or around the eyes
• Eye irritation from smoke or wind
• Excess tearing
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Excess tearing from “dry eye” sounds illogical, but if the tears which are responsible for maintenance lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated. When the eye is irritated, the lacrimal gland produces a large volume of tears which overwhelms the tear drainage system. These excess tears then overflow from your eye.

A film of tears, spread over the eye by a blink, makes the surface of the eye smooth and clear. Without a tear film, good vision would be impossible.

The tear film consists of three layers:

1. An oily layer
2. A watery layer
3. A layer of mucus

The oily layer, produced by the meibomian glands, forms the outermost surface of the tear film. Its main purpose is to smooth the tear surface and reduce evaporation of tears.

The middle watery layer makes up most of what we ordinarily think of as tears. This layer, produced by the lacrimal gland, cleanses the eye and washes away foreign particles or irritants.

The inner layer consists of mucous produced by the conjunctiva. Mucous allows the watery layer to spread evenly over the surface of the eye and helps the eye remain wet. Without mucous, tears would not adhere to the eye.

Tear production normally decreases as we age. Although dry eye can occur in both men and women at any age, women are most often affected. This is especially true after menopause. Dry eye can also be associated with arthritis and accompanied by a dry mouth. People with dry eyes, dry mouth and arthritis are said to have Sjogren’s syndrome.

A wide variety of common medications can cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion. Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist the names of all the medications you are taking, especially if you are using any of the following:

• Diuretics
• Beta blockers
• Antihistamines
• Sleeping pills
• Medications for “nerves”
• Pain relievers

Since these medications are often necessary, the dry eye condition may have to be tolerated or treated with “artificial tears”.

An ophthalmologist usually able to diagnose dry eye by examining the eyes. Sometimes tests that measure tear production may be necessary. One test, called the Schirmer tear test, involves placing filter-paper strips under the lower eyelid to measure the rate of tear production under various conditions. Another uses diagnostic drops (fluorescein or Rose Bengal) to look for certain staining patterns.

Adding tears: Eye drops called artificial tears are similar to your own tears. They lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture.

Artificial tears are available without a prescription. There are many brands on the market, so you may wants to try several to find one you like best. Preservative free eye drops are available if you are sensitive to the preservatives in artificial tears. If you need to use artificial tears more than every two hours, preservative free brands may be better for you.

You can use the tears as often as necessary – once or twice a day or as often as several times an hour.

Conserving the tears: Conserving your eyes’ own tears is another approach to keeping the eyes moist. Tears drain out of the eye through a small-canal into the nose (that is why your nose runs when you cry). Your ophthalmologist may close these canals either temporarily or permanently. The closure conserves your own tears and makes artificial tears last longer.

Tears evaporate like any other liquid. You can take steps to prevent evaporation. In winter, when indoor heat is on, a humidifier or pan of water on the radiator adds moisture to dry air. Wrap-around glasses may reduce the drying effect of the wind.
Anything that may cause dryness, such as an overly warm room, air conditioning, hair dryers or wind, should be avoided by a person with dry eye. Smoking is especially bothersome.

Some people with dry eye complain of “scratchy” eyes when they wake up. This symptom can be treated by using an ointment at bedtime. Use the smallest amount of ointment necessary for comfort, since the ointment can cause your vision to blur temporarily.

Dry eye due to a lack of Vitamin A in the diet is rare but is more common in poorer countries, especially among children. Ointments containing vitamin A can help dry eye if it is caused by unusual conditions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or pemphigoid. Vitamin A supplements do not seem to help ordinary people with dry eye.