Symptoms of keratoconjuctivitis sicca — more commonly known as Dry Eye Syndrome, or Dry Eye – are persistent dryness, scratching, and burning in your eyes. Sometimes watery eyes can result because the excessive dryness works to over stimulate tear production.
Dry Eye is more than just an uncomfortable or irritating condition. If untreated, excessive dryness can damage eye tissue and possibly scar the cornea. If you wear contact lenses, increased irritation from dryness can also increase your chances for an eye infection.
Dry Eye can occur from one of several causes, including hormonal fluctuations (ex. menopause), medication side effects, long-term contact lens wear, dry environments, extended computer use, and can be a symptom of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ocular rosacea, or Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Symptoms of keratoconjuctivitis sicca — more commonly known as Dry Eye Syndrome, or Dry Eye – are persistent dryness, scratching, and burning in your eyes. Sometimes watery eyes can result because the excessive dryness works to over stimulate tear production.
Dry Eye is more than just an uncomfortable or irritating condition. If untreated, excessive dryness can damage eye tissue and possibly scar the cornea. If you wear contact lenses, increased irritation from dryness can also increase your chances for an eye infection.
Dry Eye can occur from one of several causes, including hormonal fluctuations (ex. menopause), medication side effects, long-term contact lens wear, dry environments, extended computer use, and be a symptom of autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ocular rosacea, or Sjogren’s Syndrome.
We offer the following methods to manage Dry Eye:
Artificial tears– non-prescription, lubricating eye drops.
Restasis® Ophthalmic Emulsion – a topical medication that requires a prescription from your eye doctor.
Punctal plugs – a painless insert into your tear duct used to keep tears from draining too quickly.
Nutritional Supplements – Omega 3’s including fish oil, flaxseed oil, or combinations of the two.
Recommendations – depending upon the reason for your eye dryness, we may suggest environmental changes, such as controlling humidity levels in your home; a change in contact lens wear; or glasses prescribed specifically for computer use.
On the horizon – We are anxiously following some promising new treatments currently being reviewed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.