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DRY
EYE SYNDROME
Dry eye syndrome is a one of the most common problems treated by
eye physicians. Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes.
Nearly 3.2 million American women and more than one million American
men age 50 and older suffer from painful and debilitating dry eye
syndrome. The condition affects women, especially postmenopausal
women, two to three times more than men, with Hispanic and Asian
women most likely to be affected. Dry eye occurs most often in the
elderly. It is estimated that nearly 75 percent of people over age
65 will experience dry eye syndrome.
Tears are very important for eye health and comfort. They keep your
eyes moist, lubricate the surface of the eye for eyelid closure
and guard against infection. They also wash away allergens and protect
the eye. Without tears, good vision is impossible.
When you have dry eye syndrome, at least one of these factors is
the usually the cause; your eyes don't produce enough tears, your
tears don’t lubricate your eyes enough, and/or your tears evaporate
too quickly. Dry eye syndrome typically affects both eyes.
Symptoms of dry eyes may include eyes that sting or burn, feel scratchy,
become irritated easily, (especially by smoke and dust) and tear
excessively. People with dry eyes have difficulty wearing contact
lenses. They also may develop stringy mucus in or around their eyes.
There can be pain and redness in the eye, a feeling of heavy or
scratchy eyelids, or blurred, changing or decreased vision. Severe
cases of dry eye often are also sensitive to light.
Although dry eye syndrome has no cure, its symptoms can be treated.
Over-the-counter artificial tears that lubricate the eye are often
the first course of action, depending on the severity of the condition.
Thicker gels and ointments are sometimes used at night to help lubricate
the eye during sleep and to treat the irritated, scratchy feeling
that many dry eye sufferers have when they wake up. Avoiding anything
that can cause eye dryness — such as rooms with low humidity,
air conditioning vents, wind and cigarette smoke — is recommended.
In cases of moderate to severe dry eye, tears can be conserved by
placement of a temporary or permanent plug into the punctum. These
small holes near the inner corner of each lid are actually where
the tears drain away from your eyes. Therefore, when a small plug
is inserted, the effect is similar to stopping up a sink drain.
The eyes can then make full use of the lubricating tears, whether
natural tears alone or with the addition of artificial tears and
lubricants.
See your ophthalmologist or optometrist if you have any symptoms
of dry eyes. Your doctor can diagnose dry eye syndrome during an
eye examination. |
Green Valley:
2598 Windmill Parkway
Southwest Las Vegas: 9100 W. Post Road Las
Pahrump office: 2120 E Calvada Blvd. Pahrump, NV – 89048-5805 Phone: 702.896.6043
Goldring Medical Center Office: 2020 Goldring Medical Plaza, Suite 401
Phone (702) 896-6043 • Toll Free (888) 425-2745 • jduncan@nee-nv.com
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