Dry Eye
 One of the more common causes of eye irritation is dry eye disease. The tear film lubricates the eye, smoothes irregularities for better vision, washes germs and other irritants from the eye surface and carries oxygen to the surface of the eye. "Dry eye disease" is a label for various disorders of the tear film, which may be classified into two categories:
- Decreased tear production
- Excessive tear evaporation
Who is at Greatest Risk?
Dry eye becomes more common with increasing age and as body hormone changes occur. Most commonly affected are post-menopausal women. Medications taken by mouth are another common cause of dry eyes. Several categories of drugs may cause or worsen the symptoms dry eye, including:
- Blood pressure medications
- Decongestants
- Antidepressants
- Antihistamines
Certain autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, occur together with dry eyes. The most severe form of dry eye is related to a condition known as Sjogren's Syndrome. This condition affects several million people throughout the world. Not only are the eyes dry, but there is usually dryness of the mouth, nose or throat.
How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?
Many factors contribute to dry eyes. Most important is listening to a patient's history. Patients typically complain of a collection of symptoms, which worsen as the day goes on:
- Sandy, gritty sensation
- Blurred vision
- Eye redness
- Foreign-body sensation
- Burning or stinging
- Contact lens intolerance
- Dryness
It is critical to identify eyelid abnormalities which may be present and contribute to symptoms of dry eye. Failing to correct eyelid problems often results in failure to relieve symptoms. A careful eye examination tests the quality, quantity and stability of the tears and to look for irritation of the eye surface.
How is Dry Eye Treated?
 The mainstay of treatment for dry eyes is artificial tears. The ideal tear is one that lasts a long time, is comfortable and does not cause blurring or stickiness. There is, however, no single ideal artificial tear preparation that is good for everyone. Lubricating ointments are very useful, especially for nighttime use. We now can offer a wide range of tear products individualized for specific patient's needs.
In addition to using artificial tears, it is helpful to make the most of the tears that are being produced. Wrap-around or glasses with side shields (moisture chambers) help retain moisture. There are some simple office procedures which can be extremely helpful for dry eyes, especially "punctal occlusion". This is simply a way of sealing up the tear drainage so that one's tears are retained on the eye. This is similar to placing a plug in the drain in order to help a slow-running faucet fill the kitchen sink.
Dr. Tauber is a nationally recognized authority on the treatment of dry eyes and has been conducting research and lecturing in this field for over a decade. A dry eye consultation in our Ocular Surface Center can reveal specific causes of dry eye that require non-standard treatments. Tauber Eye Center offers the most current testing and treatment of dry eye available anywhere.
Ongoing research has taught us a great deal about what causes dry eye to develop. Hormonal factors are better understood, and in several years, hormone-containing tear substitutes may become available. Much work has been done on the use of medications which reduce inflammation on the eye surface. A newly approved medication eyedrop, Restasis, is now available which treats the cause of dry eye, rather than simply treating the symptoms. Dr. Tauber has been involved in the development of this medication for over a decade. While this medication is not for everyone, it represents a major leap forward in our ability to treat dry eye.
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