CHRONIC DRY EYES OVERVIEW:
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition that occurs when the ocular surface is inflamed leading to an improperly functioning tear film. A normal uninflamed tear film has the appropriate ratio of three layers, which includes the lipid layer, aqueous or water layer, and mucin layer. Dry eye disease occurs when the ratio of these three components have been disrupted. Symptoms of dry eyes include excessive tearing, burning, pain, redness, sandy or gritty foreign body sensation, as well as fluctuating blurred vision. Dry eyes can occur for a number of reasons and can be present with varying degrees of severity.
CAUSES OF DRY EYES:
There are many conditions, both environmental and systemic, that may contribute to or exacerbate your dry eye symptoms. Most dry eye conditions are benign and are typically due to environmental changes, such as dryness during the winter months or during spring time blooms. Additional environmental causes of dry eyes include lack of sleep, extended computer use, and contact lenses overwear.
In some severe dry eye cases, there can be more complicated causes of dry eyes, including autoimmune disease or as a condition secondary to certain systemic medications or diseases. A comprehensive evaluation of your dry eyes and a medical overview will help in determining the severity and causes of your dry eye symptoms.
TREATMENT OF DRY EYES:
Treatment of dry eyes is determined by the classification of the severity of the dryness and the underlying cause of the condition. Dry eye treatment focuses on increasing the tear quality and volume, as well as reducing the underlying ocular inflammation. Dr. Graham’s approach to the treatment of dry eye disease includes:
- Recommending proper lubricating eye drops
- Treating the underlying cause with prescribed eye drops
- Bandaging the ocular surface to allow surface healing
- Inserting biocompatible and bioabsorbable punctal plugs
Call our team today or reach us through our website by using our online contact form to schedule your dry eyes evaluation with Dr. Graham.
