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Eye Diseases

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Dry Eye

More about Dry Eye — and Treatment

The production of tears is an essential eye function. Not only do tears keep the surface of the eye (the cornea) naturally lubricated, but also help to protect the eyes from infection. The tear film coating that covers the eye is made of three layers

The lipid layer is the outer-most layer and contains fatty oils produced by small glands (meibomian glands) on the edge of the eyelids. This layer slows down the evaporation of the middle aqueous (watery) layer. Clogged meibomian glands can contribute to dry eye problems.

The aqueous layer is the middle layer and is mostly water and a little bit of salt. This layer, which is produced by the tear glands, cleans the eyes and washes away particles and irritants.

The mucous layer is the inner-most layer and allows the tears to spread evenly across the surface of the eye’s cornea.

Treatment

While many people experience dry eyes from time to time, chronic dry eyes can be bothersome, and left untreated can produce long-term eye discomfort and possibly damage to the cornea. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms of dry eyes for a prolonged period of time, you should have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist.

In addition to listening to the patient talking about symptoms, the ophthalmologist can perform several diagnostic tests. One test, called the Schirmer tear test, can actually measure the rate of tear production by using tiny filter paper strips placed under the lower eyelids.

After evaluating all information, the ophthalmologist can explain treatment options. Often dry eyes can be treated with a variety of both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications. In some cases, a small silicon plug may be inserted into the small holes in the eyelid that drain tears. The simple (and reversible) procedure takes only a few seconds and can be performed in the examination chair. Also, in many cases dry eye can be helped with increased eye hygiene practices and by taking preventive action to avoid those situations that trigger symptoms (such as ceiling fans).