WHAT IS DRY EYE?
Dry eye is a common, chronic condition that can lead to eye discomfort and changes or decrease in vision. Normal healthy tears help our eyes stay comfortable and healthy. Sometimes, our eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears produced are not good quality and can evaporate quicker that usual, resulting in dry eyes.
light sensitivity
burning or stinging
blurred vision, especially when reading or using a screen device
gritty or scratchy feeling, like there is something in your eye
pain with contact lens wear
Symptoms of DRY EYE
red or irritated eyes
crusting or mucous in
or around your eyes
tearing or watery eyes
WHAT CAUSES dry eye?
→ Some Blood pressure medications, antihistamines, anxiety medications
Decreased blinking from excessive screen time or reading
eyelid conditions
Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits. Common causes include:
hormonal changes & aging
→ Blepharitis, meibomian gland disease, entropion, ectropion
→ Eye allergies, prolonged contact lens wear
ocular conditions
→ Smoke, wind, dry climate, air conditioning, makeup, poorly fitting face masks
Environmental triggers
→ Cataract surgery, LASIK
past eye surgeries
→ Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, rosacea, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis
certain diseases
medications
What is blepharitis/meibomian gland disease?
Blepharitis/meibomian gland disease can lead to chronic inflammation of your eyelids and eyelashes. Meibomian glands are oil glands along the inner edge of the eyelids. These glands make oil that is an important part of the eye’s tears. With chronic inflammation these glands can become clogged and poorly functioning. This can cause, or significantly contribute to your dry eye disease. An important part of your treatment regimen is the health of your eyelids and meibomian glands.
How is dry eye diagnosed?
How is dry eye treated?
Treatment focuses on targeting ocular surface inflammation, supplementing your own tears with artificial tears, and treating any contributing factors, including those mentioned above. Every patient is unique and the type of dry eye and contributing factors are variable. Dr. Salter will create a personalized treatment plan depending on the cause and severity of your dry eyes.
Dr. Salter will start by having you fill out a questionnaire to see how much your quality of daily life is affected by dry eye. She will then examine your eyes, looking at your eyelids, the surface of your eyes, and checking how you blink. Specific testing may be performed if needed.
