Dry eye is the most common eye problem in North America. People with dry eye have burning, gritty or tired eyes. Dry eye occurs when the eye is bathed by not enough or poor-quality tears. Fortunately, this condition is often preventable and may be easily treated. On average, people blink about 15 times per minute. When that rate slows, the eyes feel gritty, burning or tired, and become red. The eye’s protective coating of tears dries up, leaving the eye open to infection and injury. This condition is known as dry eye. Infrequent blinking is only one cause of dry eye – the leading eye problem in North America. About 10 million Americans have this condition. Dry eye is more common in women, especially after menopause. About 60% of eye fatigue is caused by dry eye. Tears bathe and soothe the eye. They are important for eye health and clear vision. People with dry eye find it difficult to wear contact lenses. When dry eye is serious, people may become sensitive to light or have blurry vision. Without a protective layer of tears, the eye’s surface is easily scratched and is vulnerable to infection. Fortunately, your optometrist can suggest many options to treat dry eye. With proper care, people with dry eye can avoid eye injury and vision loss. To detect dry eye, an optometrist usually does a few simple tests during the annual eye exam. Some people are more likely to have dry eye than others. Computer users, who blink less often than normal are often bothered by dry eye. More women than men are affected. People with allergies and contact lens wearers are more likely to develop this condition. Tears are essential for healthy eyes and clear vision. Faulty eye mechanics (not enough blinking while reading or working on a computer) or the environment (dry air, wind, dust or sun) can dry tears before they are naturally replenished. As people age, the eyes naturally produce fewer tears. About 75% of people over 65 have dry eye. Menopause, which affects the body’s estrogen levels, may cause dry eye. Health problems, such as arthritis, can also affect tears. Certain drugs — oral contraceptives, antibiotics, diuretics, antihistamines, antidiarrheals, anti-acne, antihypertensives and antidepressants — can interfere with tear production. On the job, chemical or heat exposure may lead to dry eye. With proper care and treatment, people with dry eye can avoid discomfort, infections and eye injury. In some cases a medical solution may be required. Collagen and/or silicone plugs may be helpful in dry-eye problems. They are usually used for moderate to severe dry eye. In more severe cases a laser can be used to help alleviate dry eye problems. Before reaching for a medical solution to dry eye, your optometrist may suggest a few simple steps
|
| |
