What Causes Dry Eye?
You may experience dry eyes if your eyes don't produce enough or poor-quality tears. Natural tears contain oil that prevents the eyes from becoming too dry. They create layers of water and mucus that protect the eye and keep it hydrated. Without the right combination, the tear film can become thin or dry out, causing the symptoms of dry eyes.
Common causes of dry eyes include allergies and medications (over the counter and prescription). Additionally, age is a factor. Your eyes will not produce as many tears as you age. This condition particularly impacts those over the age of 50. Medical conditions and environmental conditions can also cause dryness. For example, if you work in a dusty or windy environment, that may trigger dry eyes.
Symptoms of Dry Eye
Common symptoms include the following:
- Blurry vision
- Burning
- Itching
- Poor night vision
- Light sensitivity
- Scratchy, gritty, sandy feeling
- Red eyes
- Inability to wear contact lenses
Treatment
- Warm compress for 10-15 min nightly followed by lid cleansing wipes.
- Using a commercial eye mask (heat as directed by manufacturer)
- Daily lid cleansing with commercial wipes (Optase/Ocusoft) OR hypochlorous acid spray (Optase)
- Preservative free artificial tears. 1-4 times a day or whenever symptomatic.
- Omega 3 oil supplement ~2,000 mg daily
- Fish or flaxseed oil capsules
- Ground flaxseed (mix in food)
- Take supplement with food, otherwise it has a laxative effect
***Visit www.helpmyze.com/montereybayeyecenter to see our recommended products. ***
Patient Informational Booklets/Questionnnaires
- Dry Eye: Dry-Eye-Patient-Information-Booklet-US.pdf
- Meibomian Gland Dysfuncton (MGD): MGD-Patient-Information-Booklet-US.pdf
- Blepharitis: Blepharitis-Patient-Information-Booklet-US.pdf