Dry Eyes

What are dry eyes?

Dry eyes are a condition where the tears you produce are of poor quality, or you don't generate enough tears to keep your eye comfortable and healthy.

When you blink, you spread tears across the front surface of your eye. This creates a tear film that keeps the surface of your eye clear and smooth, and it’s necessary for good vision. The tear film has three layers:

• A watery layer that cleanses your eye
• An oily layer that stops the watery layer from evaporating
• A mucus layer that spreads tears evenly and keeps the eye moist

If there are problems with any of these layers, you might develop dry eyes symptoms.

What symptoms do dry eyes cause?

Symptoms of dry eyes may include:

• Irritation
• Grittiness or scratchiness
• Burning
• Blurred vision
• Excessive tearing

Excessive tearing is a common problem with dry eyes. When your eyes aren't producing enough lubricating tears, they respond by leaking the types of tears that wash away irritants, which don't have the same consistency.

The drainage system in your eyes can't cope with all of these tears, so they overflow from your eye. This is why dry eyes often cause constantly watering eyes.

Why do I have dry eyes?

Some common causes of dry eyes include:

Age

Hormonal changes such as menopause can reduce tear production.

Gender

Although anyone can develop dry eyes, the condition more often affects women.

Medications

Some medicines, particularly those for colds and allergies, can result in dry eyes.

Environmental conditions

Prolonged exposure to smoke, wind, or air conditioning can lead to dry eyes.

How are dry eyes treated?

Dry eyes are often a chronic problem, but your ophthalmologist at Lowcountry Eye Specialists offers treatments that increase your comfort levels, keep your eyes healthy, and stop dry eyes from affecting your vision. The primary treatments for dry eyes are:

Adding tears

Initial dry eye treatment typically involves using artificial tears. These tears are drops you put in your eyes whenever you need them to supplement your natural tears.

Conserving tears

If artificial tears aren't resolving the problem, another approach the Lowcountry Eye Specialists team can use is to keep the natural tears in your eyes for longer.

Tears drain from your eyes through small openings called ducts into your nose. Your provider can block the tear ducts using tiny punctal plugs made from silicone, so your natural tears don't drain away so quickly. Punctal plugs are removable; an alternative is a surgery to close your tear ducts permanently.

Increasing tear production

Prescription drops can help increase your eyes natural ability to produce tears. Your doctor will discuss your options and which medication is right for your eyes.

To find relief from your dry eyes, call Lowcountry Eye Specialists or request an appointment online today.