Dry Eye Syndrome, also known as Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome, can be a very frustrating and sometimes a debilitating problem for many people. Patients as often describe it as: “my eyes are always red/itchy/tired” or “my eyes are constantly tearing”. These symptoms can lead to daily aggravation and annoyance.
Who is more prone to Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome?
You can be more at risk for symptoms of dry eyes if you are:
-Over the age of 50
-A woman
-Taking medications such as antidepressants, antihistamines, and some acne medications such
as Accutane.
-A post LASIK surgery patient
-In job that requires you to work at the computer for long periods of time
-A patient with lid laxity problems
If my eyes are watering so much how can I have Dry Eyes?
Just because your eyes are excessively watering does not mean that the tear composition on your eyes is in balance. Dry eye creates a vicious cycle. Our eyes get irritated from being dry, then the tear to try to make things more comfortable. The excess tears are not able to stay on the eye so they tear down our face and the cycle repeats again. The only way to make things more comfortable is to determine what is causing the Tear Dysfunctional Syndrome and to treat that problem.
How do I determine what type of Dry Eye I have?
You must visit your Optometrist for a Dry eye evaluation to determine what is contributing to your specific problem. Dr. McCann, an optometrist at Central Optometry in downtown London Ontario, has dealt with many patients suffering from dry eye and can help you determine what is contributing to your specific dry eye problem.
What can be done about my Dry Eye?
Dry eye often tends to be a chronic problem that must be managed rather than cured. Isolating specific environmental factors that may be exacerbating the problem should be determined along with initiating therapy to manage the problem.
Management options, to name a few, include:
-Artificial Tears
-Warm Compresses
-Nutritional supplementation
-Punctal Plugs
-Anti-inflammatory medications
I have been recommended to use Artificial Tears but how do I know which one? When I go to the pharmacy there are hundreds of kinds on the shelf and they all look the same!
Your optometrist can help you determine which type of Artificial Tear will best suit your specific dry eye problem.
by Dr. Wesdon McCann
