DRY EYES

2012-01-10T08:55:00.000-08:00

For the subject of my first ophthalmology blog, I want to address a condition that Dr. Wentworth and I see very commonly in our clinics: dry eyes. This disorder actually includes a fairly wide range of conditions, but at the core includes at least two things:
1. eye discomfort
2. abnormality of the tears or tear film.

Dry eyes can be broadly classified into two categories:
1. aqueous tear deficiency—a fancy way of saying a person doesn’t produce enough tears
2. evaporative tear dysfunction—a fancy way of saying a person doesn’t have healthy tears or tear film

As I just mentioned, tear deficiency basically means that the eyes aren’t making enough tears. This can objectively be measured by something called Schirmer testing, which is a quick and easy test that can be performed in the office. There are also several medications and diseases of the body (Sjogren syndrome probably being the most common) that can cause or worsen aqueous tear deficiency.

Evaporative tear dysfunction is most commonly associated with a condition known as Meibomian gland dysfunction (also known as posterior blepharitis). In this condition, there are usually more than enough tears, but the quality of the tears is so poor that the eye acts as if there aren’t enough tears being produced. These patients are also a little more prone to develop styes and chalazion. These are also the patients whose eyes tend to water a lot so they are very confused when they are told they have dry eyes!

The treatment of dry eyes can be difficult, but it can also be rewarding to alleviate the discomfort a person has been experiencing for some time. Our initial recommendation usually involves use of artificial tears. We always ask our patients to avoid any of the drops that say “get the red out” because these can actually make dryness worse in the long run. Also, if patients are using tear drops more frequently than four times a day, I recommend using preservative-free tears because there is evidence that preservatives in drops can actually make dryness worse. Other potential treatments include lubricating ointments, punctual plugs, nutritional supplements and prescription anti-inflammatory drops. Occasionally, I can also make some lifestyle recommendations that may be helpful.

In conclusion, I hope this short entry helps clarify what we are talking about when we say “dry eyes.” The winter months tend to be the worst time of the year for dryness of the eyes. If you are having difficulties with dryness (which often feels like a “sandy” or “gritty” sensation in the eyes) please call our office and let us help!

GGCeyes REFORMATTED

2012-01-09T13:19:00.000-08:00

The website for Drs. Jennifer Wentworth and Marc Moore of the Graves-Gilbert Clinic Department of Ophthalmology has been reformatted to provide updated information about the practice. Please take a look around the site! [www.ggceyes.com]

GGC EYES

DRY EYES

GGCeyes REFORMATTED