Dry Eye - Treatment at Fort Worth Eye Associates

People who do not produce enough tears to keep their eyes healthy and comfortable may have dry eye. Tears are produced by two different methods. One method produces tears at a slow, steady rate for normal eye lubrication. The other method produces large quantities of tears in response to eye irritation or emotions.

Symptoms of dry eye include:

stinging or burning eyes
scratchiness
stringy mucus in or around the eyes
excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind
excess tearing
difficulty wearing contact lenses

While excess tearing from dry eye sounds illogical, if the tears responsible for maintenance lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated.

Dry eye problems can occur in men or women of any age, although it occurs most often in menopausal women. Other health problems and common medications like diuretics, antihistamines, sleeping pills, and pain relievers can cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion. Since these medications are often necessary, dye eye may have to be tolerated or treated with “artificial tears.”

Dry eye is most effectively treated by artificial tear eye drops similar to your own tears. They lubricate the eyes and help maintain moisture. You may use the tears as often as necessary. Keep your environment moist during the winter and avoid overly warm rooms, hair dryers, wind, and smoke.

Source: American Academy of Ophthalmology

Your ophthalmologist at Fort Worth Eye Associates can provide you with more information specific to your case. The above information is not intended to replace a personal exam, medical diagnosis, and/or complete treatment description by an ophthalmologist.