Dry eye syndrome : Tears are needed to lubricate the eyes and to wash away particles and foreign objects. A healthy tear film on the eye is necessary for good vision. Dry eyes develop when the eye is unable to maintain a healthy coating of tears. Dry eye usually occurs in people who are otherwise healthy. It becomes more common with age. This can occur due to hormonal changes that make your eyes produce fewer tears.
Other common causes of dry eyes include:
• Dry environment or workplace (wind, air conditioning)
• Sun exposure
• Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure
• Cold or allergy medicines
Dry eye can also be caused by:
• Heat or chemical burns
• Previous eye surgery
• A rare autoimmune disorder in which the glands that produce tears are destroyed (Sjogren syndrome)
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
• Blurred vision
• Burning, itching, or redness in the eye
• Gritty or scratchy feeling in the eye
• Sensitivity to light
Treatment
The first step in treatment is artificial tears. These come as preserved (screw cap bottle) and unpreserved (twist open vial). Preserved tears are more bottle) convenient, but some people are sensitive to preservatives. There are many brands available without a prescription. Start using the drops at least 2-4 times per day.
Other medical treatments may include:
• Fish oil 2-3 times per day
• Glasses, goggles or contact lenses that keep moisture in the eyes
• Medicines such as Restasis, topical corticosteroids, and oral tetracycline and doxycycline
• Tiny plugs placed in the tear drainage ducts to moisture stay on the surface of the eye longer