Dry Eye
Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome is a widespread condition that affects daily comfort and visual clarity. For residents in Queens, Long Island, and NYC, where urban living and environmental factors can exacerbate dry eye symptoms, maintaining eye health is crucial.
At Focus Eye Care, ophthalmologist Dr. Neelofar Ghaznawi offers specialized diagnostic services and a variety of treatment options to help you achieve lasting relief and enhanced quality of life.
Dry eye syndrome, also called dry eye disease, is a chronic condition where the eyes do not receive adequate lubrication. While it is normal to have occasional dry eyes due to environmental factors like dry weather, air conditioning, or seasonal allergies, dry eye syndrome is different. This condition involves frequent and persistent dryness that can cause discomfort, irritation, and even impact daily activities. The American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that up to
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Dry Eye Disease
American Academy of Ophthalmology
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20 million
people in the United States are affected by dry eye syndrome.
Without proper management, dry eye syndrome may lead to more serious complications, such as inflammation, corneal damage, or vision issues. Understanding this condition is essential for effective treatment and relief.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome can present with a range of symptoms that vary from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
- Red, irritated eyes
- Watery eyes as the body attempts
to compensate for dryness - Itchy or scratchy sensation
- Burning or stinging in the eyes
- Blurred or fluctuating vision
- Eye fatigue, particularly after prolonged visual tasks
- A gritty feeling, as if there is something in the eye
- Sensitivity to light
- Discomfort or difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Stringy mucus or
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Dry Eyes
Mayo Clinic
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discharge
These symptoms can interfere with daily activities such as reading, driving, or working on a computer. If left untreated, they may become more persistent and impact overall eye health and quality of life.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome can arise from a variety of factors, leading to insufficient tear production or poor tear quality. Common causes include:
- Age: The likelihood of experiencing dry eye increases with age, particularly in individuals over 65.
- Hormonal Changes: Women are more prone to dry eye due to hormonal shifts during pregnancy, menopause, or when using oral contraceptives.
- Medical Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, and thyroid disorders can contribute to chronic dry eyes.
- Medications: Dry eye can be a side effect of certain drugs, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production.
- Environmental Factors: Wind, smoke, and dry climates can accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dryness.
- Screen Time: Prolonged use of digital devices can decrease blink rates, causing eye strain and dryness.
- Contact Lens Use: Long-term or improper contact lens wear may contribute to dry eye symptoms.
- Pollutants and Allergens: Exposure to smoke, dust, and other airborne irritants can exacerbate dryness.
Understanding these factors can aid in the prevention and management of dry eye syndrome to maintain optimal eye health.
Understanding Tear Production: How Tears Work
Every time you blink, your eyes are refreshed and cleaned by a protective tear film that coats the surface. This tear film consists of three key layers:
- Lipid (Oil) Layer: The outermost layer that helps prevent tear evaporation.
- Aqueous Layer: The middle layer, responsible for providing moisture and carrying nutrients.
- Mucin Layer: The innermost layer that ensures even distribution of the tear film across the eye surface.
These layers work in harmony to maintain eye hydration, protect against debris, and support overall eye health. A delicate balance between tear quantity and quality is essential for proper eye function. When this balance is disrupted, it can lead to various forms of dry eye syndrome.
Types of Dry Eye
Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye
This type occurs when there is an inadequate production of the watery component of tears. Patients with aqueous-deficient dry eye may find relief through artificial tears or other hydrating treatments to supplement natural moisture.
Evaporative Dry Eye
Evaporative dry eye is the most common form and results from a deficiency in the lipid layer of the tear film. Without sufficient oil, tears evaporate too quickly, causing dryness and irritation.
Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)
The primary cause of evaporative dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, which is the cause of
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Distribution of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic-based patient cohort: a retrospective study
Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, Foulks GN, Sullivan BD
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roughly 86%
of dry eye cases. The meibomian glands, located in the eyelids, secrete oils necessary for the lipid layer. When these glands are blocked or do not function properly, tear evaporation increases, exacerbating dry eye symptoms. MGD is prevalent in most dry eye cases and may require targeted professional treatment for effective management.
How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
At Focus Eye Care, our experienced team uses a range of diagnostic tests to accurately identify dry eye syndrome and determine the most effective treatment options. These diagnostic methods include:
- Tear Osmolarity: This test measures the concentration of salt in the tears, providing insight into the severity of the condition.
- Schirmer Test: A simple test that evaluates the rate of tear production to check if the eyes produce an adequate amount of moisture.
- Corneal Staining: By applying a special dye, we can examine the surface of the eye and assess the quality of the tear film.
- Tear Break-Up Test: This test assesses how stable the tear film is and how quickly it evaporates.
- External Eye Exam: A thorough external eye exam allows the doctor to evaluate eyelid structure, blink patterns, and potential conditions like blepharitis that may contribute to dry eye. This may include a magnified view to closely observe the eyelids and cornea.
- Laboratory Tests: In some cases, lab tests can help determine if underlying medical conditions are causing or contributing to dry eye symptoms.
These comprehensive diagnostic tools ensure a precise diagnosis and pave the way for tailored treatment solutions to manage dry eye effectively.
Home Remedies for Dry Eye
For those with occasional or mild dry eye, home remedies can provide relief and help manage symptoms. Consider trying the following:
- Warm Compresses: Apply a warm, moist compress over your eyes for about 10-15 minutes to help unblock the oil glands in the eyelids and improve tear quality.
- Lubricating Eye Drops: Use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (without preservatives) to temporarily alleviate dryness. Ensure the drops are specifically designed to lubricate and not just reduce redness.
- Blinking Exercises: Regularly practice blinking fully, especially during long periods of screen time, to maintain moisture on the eye surface.
- Adjusting Your Environment: Redirect fans or air vents so they do not blow directly on your face, use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and reduce exposure to dry, windy conditions.
- Omega-3 Supplements: Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet, either through food or supplements, as they may support better tear production and eye health.
These simple at-home measures can be effective in alleviating symptoms and promoting comfort. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, professional treatment by a dry eye specialist may be necessary.
Professional Dry Eye Treatment
For patients whose symptoms persist despite home remedies, professional treatments issued by a qualified ophthalmologist may be required to manage dry eye effectively. Options available at Focus Eye Care include:
Prescription Medications
These include prescription eye drops (Restasis®) and oral medications that help stimulate natural tear production and reduce inflammation of the eyelids and cornea. Consistent use as prescribed can significantly improve comfort and tear quality.
Punctal Plugs
Tiny, removable plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage and maintain moisture on the eye surface. This minimally invasive procedure is quick and performed in-office.
Autologous Serum Eye Drops (ASED)
Custom-made from a patient’s own blood, these drops are enriched with essential nutrients and growth factors that
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Use of Autologous Serum Tears for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Disease From Patients With Systemic Autoimmune Diseases
Ali TK, Gibbons A, Cartes C, Zarei-Ghanavati S, Gomaa M, Gonzalez I, Gonzalez AE, Ozturk HE, Betancurt C, Perez VL
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mimic natural tears
, promoting corneal healing and providing long-lasting relief.
Amniotic Membrane Placement
Amniotic membrane placement is an effective option for individuals with severe dry eye that hasn’t responded to other treatments. This treatment uses a small, sterile amniotic membrane, which acts like a biological bandage to promote healing of the ocular surface and reduce inflammation.
The membrane, rich in anti-inflammatory properties and growth factors, helps repair damage while providing relief from symptoms such as grittiness and burning. The majority of patients undergoing this
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Association of Treatment Duration and Clinical Outcomes in Dry Eye Treatment with Sutureless Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane
McDonald M, Janik SB, Bowden FW, Chokshi A, Singer MA, Tighe S, Mead OG, Nanda S, Qazi MA, Dierker D, Shupe AT, McMurren BJ
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treatment
have reported significant improvement in eye discomfort and visual symptoms, according to
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Amniotic membrane transplantation for managing dry eye and neurotrophic keratitis
Mead OG, Tighe S, Tseng SCG
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clinical studies
.
Typically, the amniotic membrane is worn for about a week, during which it helps restore balance to the tear film and promotes a healthier ocular surface.
FAQs About Dry Eye
Yes, treating dry eye syndrome is essential to prevent discomfort and potential complications. Left untreated, dry eye can lead to more severe issues such as corneal damage, recurrent eye infections, and ulcers.
It may seem like a contradiction, but excessive tearing can be a symptom of dry eye. When the eyes experience dryness due to poor tear quality or rapid evaporation, they often overcompensate by producing more tears.
Insurance coverage for dry eye treatment varies. Some policies cover certain treatments since dry eye is a medical condition, but not all treatment options may be included. Our team can help clarify your insurance benefits during your consultation.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, don’t wait to seek relief. At Focus Eye Care, we provide comprehensive diagnosis and personalized treatment plans tailored to your needs. Our practice proudly serves patients from Queens, Long Island, NYCand throughout New York City, ensuring accessible and high-quality eye care. Schedule a consultation today to take the first step towards comfortable, healthier eyes.
The doctors at Focus Eye Care & Surgery have reviewed and approved this content.
Page Updated:
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology. Dry Eye Disease. Available: https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/dry-eye-disease. Accessed November 1, 2024.
2 Mayo Clinic. Dry Eyes. Available: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863. Accessed November 1, 2024.
3 Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, Foulks GN, Sullivan BD. Distribution of aqueous-deficient and evaporative dry eye in a clinic-based patient cohort: a retrospective study. Cornea. 2012 May;31(5):472-8. doi: 10.1097/ICO.0b013e318225415a. PMID: 22378109. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22378109/. Accessed November 1, 2024.
4 Ali TK, Gibbons A, Cartes C, Zarei-Ghanavati S, Gomaa M, Gonzalez I, Gonzalez AE, Ozturk HE, Betancurt C, Perez VL. Use of Autologous Serum Tears for the Treatment of Ocular Surface Disease From Patients With Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Am J Ophthalmol. 2018 May;189:65-70. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2018.02.009. Epub 2018 Feb 19. PMID: 29470971. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29470971/. Accessed November 1, 2024.
5 McDonald M, Janik SB, Bowden FW, Chokshi A, Singer MA, Tighe S, Mead OG, Nanda S, Qazi MA, Dierker D, Shupe AT, McMurren BJ. Association of Treatment Duration and Clinical Outcomes in Dry Eye Treatment with Sutureless Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane. Clin Ophthalmol. 2023 Sep 12;17:2697-2703. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S423040. PMID: 37720008; PMCID: PMC10505017. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10505017/. Accessed November 1, 2024.
6 Mead OG, Tighe S, Tseng SCG. Amniotic membrane transplantation for managing dry eye and neurotrophic keratitis. Taiwan J Ophthalmol. 2020 Mar 4;10(1):13-21. doi: 10.4103/tjo.tjo_5_20. PMID: 32309119; PMCID: PMC7158925. Available: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7158925/. Accessed November 1, 2024.