Dry Eye
In order for your eyes to be comfortable and see well, a healthy tear film is required. If you are not producing the appropriate quality or quantity of tear film, you may be experiencing dry eye, also called ocular surface dysfunction.
Symptoms of dry eye include burning, stinging, foreign body or sandy sensation, blurry vision, and stringy mucous. Sometimes people with dry eye can experience excess tearing as the eye reflexively responds to the dryness.
Dry eye symptoms increase as our eyes mature and tear quality and quantity change. Many women experience dry eye after menopause.
Treatments are varied but there is no cure. Artificial tears of various viscosities can provide relief and improve lubrication. In order to conserve your own tears, tiny plugs can be used to close the channels through which your tears drain. Restasis, a prescription drop, can increase your natural tear production when used regularly over time. Proper eyelid hygiene can also improve the health of the ocular surface. Other treatments are available and can be discussed with your ophthalmologist.
Activities causing prolonged staring such as reading, watching TV, and computer work can lead to tear film evaporation and dry eye symptoms. Wind, dust, smoke, and allergens can all aggravate the eye and worsen symptoms.