Dry, scratchy, irritated eyes are among the most common complaints encountered by eye doctors. These symptoms, better known as “dry eye syndrome,” can be a constant source of discomfort and can greatly impact your quality of life.
Once very limited, diagnostic technology for dry eye has progressed significantly in recent years bringing with it a wave of revolutionary new treatment options. Instead of simply aiming to mask the symptoms, The Dry Eye Center is one of the only area centers to specialize in identifying the unique source of your condition and creating a customized treatment plan based on YOUR specific needs.
Dry eye is actually a single component of a lesser known, broader condition called ocular surface disease, or OSD. While OSD can have a wide variety of causes, dry eye in particular is a chronic disease that generally occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly.
Blepharitis is one of the most common causes of dry eye. It is an inflammation of the meibomian glands (glands at the base of the lashes that produce the oil that keep the tears on the eyes). Over time these glands can become clogged with dirt, oil, debris from make-up, etc. Once they are clogged, the tears are no longer the correct consistency to coat the eye. In addition, this can lead to “styes”.
At Center for Total Eye Care, Dr. Brittany Eaton and Dr. Uriel Young specialize in identifying and treating dry eye. Diagnosis generally involves measuring the quantity and quality of your tears. They use a wide range of state-of-the-art tests to look for damaged cells and dry spots on the surface of your cornea. The position and function of your eyelids will also be examined to make sure there are no problems with tear distribution. If dry eye is identified, your doctor will talk you through all of your treatment options before making the best recommendation for you. Your treatment may include one or a combination of the following:
This may happen because the meibomian glands are not properly functioning, so the tears are running down the cheek instead of staying on the eye. Or, if your eyes became irritated, the lacrimal gland may produce excess reflex tearing to soothe your eyes. However, these excess tears are not the correct consistency to provide lubrication for the eyes.
Tears are made up of three layers:
Mucin layer: This is the base layer of tears. It works like a glue to keep tears on the eye.
Water layer: This is the middle layer of tears and is produced by the lacrimal gland, which sits above the outer part of your top eyelid.
Oil layer: This is the outer layer that helps prevent tears from evaporating. It is produced by the meibomian glands (located at the base of the eyelashes).If any of these tear layers are not working properly, it can cause dry eye.
Are your symptoms due to a lack of tears, poor tear quality, allergies, or something else all together? Our team of dry eye experts is here, at both Center for Total Eye Care locations, to help you enjoy life without dry eye symptoms.
Take the Dry Eye Quiz, then call 410-876-3333 to schedule an eye exam at The Dry Eye Center.
