The tears
your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health
and clear vision. Dry eye means that your eyes do not
produce enough tears or that you produce tears that do
not have the proper chemical composition. Often, dry eye
is part of the natural aging process. It can also be caused
by blinking or eyelid problems, medications like antihistamines,
oral contraceptives and antidepressants, a dry climate,
wind and dust, general health problems like arthritis
or Sjogren's syndrome and chemical or thermal burns to
your eyes.
If you have
dry eye, your symptoms may include irritated, scratchy,
dry, uncomfortable or red eyes, a burning sensation or
feeling of something foreign in your eyes and blurred
vision. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar
your cornea (the front covering of your eyes) and impair
vision and make contact lens wear difficult.
If you have
symptoms of dry eye, see your optometrist for a comprehensive
examination. Dry eye cannot be cured, but your optometrist
can prescribe treatment so your eyes remain healthy and
your vision is unaffected. Some treatments that your optometrist
might prescribe include blinking more frequently, increasing
humidity at home or work, using artificial tears and using
a moisturizing ointment, especially at bedtime. In some
cases, small plugs are inserted in the corner of the eyes
to slow tear drainage. Sometimes, surgical closure of
the drainage ducts may be recommended.
