What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), also known as Ocular Surface Disease (OSD), is the most common eye disorder, affecting about 20% of the population. It is caused when one or all of the components of the tear film are not in balance. Clogged oil glands along both upper and lower lid margins contribute to 86% of ocular surface disease progression (OSD) and dry eye. Poor lacrimal gland function further reduces the production of our “emergency eye wash tears.” Damage to our goblet cells that reside in the tissue near our beautiful iris can reduce the output of our mucous tears which help to nourish protect our precious sight. Understanding the complex makeup of our tears is important in devising a proper treatment approach to solving OSD.
At Advanced Optometry, we have cutting edge diagnostic and treatment technology to assess and manage every level of OSD/ dry eye.
How do I know if I have dry eyes?
The most common symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome include:
- Redness
- Irritation
- Scratchiness
- Burning
- Watery eyes
Advanced dry eyes may damage the front surface of the eye and impair your vision. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, we have effective treatment solutions for OSD.
Getting the proper treatment for dry eye symptoms requires a diagnosis from an optometrist. If you suspect you have dry eye, call Advanced Optometry of Mission Viejo to schedule an examination.
How are dry eyes diagnosed?
Meibography is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging technique that lets your optometrist know whether you have dry eye. The test checks the shape of your Meibomian glands and whether they’re obstructed or atrophied, measures the thickness of your tear film’s fat layer, and measures how often you blink.
What are the Risk Factors?
Dry eyes can develop for many reasons, including:
- Age (a majority of people over age 65 experience symptoms of dry eyes)
- Gender (women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of contraceptives, and menopause)
- Medications (i.e., antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can reduce tear production)
- Medical conditions (i.e., rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems are more likely to have symptoms of dry eyes)
- Environmental conditions (i.e., exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates can increase tear evaporation and failure to blink regularly can also contribute to drying of the eyes)
- Long-term use of contact lenses
- Refractive eye surgeries, such as LASIK, can decrease tear production
Dysfunction of the Meibomian Glands
Meibomian glands are found in the upper and lower eyelids and play an essential role in maintaining the tear film that protects your eye. When Meibomian glands get obstructed, the tear film becomes unstable and will evaporate too quickly, leaving your eye unprotected.
This condition, known as evaporative dry eye, generally requires testing and diagnosis for treatment. If your eyes are dry, scratchy, itchy, red, or tired, it may be time for an eye test.
With this testing, your optometrist can determine whether there’s an issue with your Meibomian glands or if something else might be causing your dry eye symptoms.
What can be done about my Dry Eyes?
Treatment for dry eyes can differ person to person. We start with a full eye examination and carefully examine the ocular surface with specific diagnostic equipment to determine which areas of the tear film are in distress. Our doctors at Advanced Optometry look at the underlying cause of your Dry Eye and recommended specific treatment options based on each individual patient needs which may include:
-
- Lid margin hygiene to encourage better oil gland production: OCuSOFT Original, OCuSOFT Hypochlorous spray, Retaine gel
- Discussion of supplements that may be beneficial
- Possible prescription eye drop medication
- TempSure Envi procedures to revitalize the oil glands along the lid margins
- Amniotic membrane technology
- Autologous serum eye drops
- Scleral lenses
- Or a combination of some of these strategie
The Latest Treatments for Dry Eye Syndrome
Get Your Dry-Eye Diagnosis
Don’t let dry eyes get in the way of your day-to-day. If you have dry eye symptoms, call Advanced Optometry of Mission Viejo at (949) 770-8505 to schedule an appointment. You can also book an appointment with our optometrists online!
