Wang Vision Institute: Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye. It can range from mild constant irritation to severe ocular inflammation leading to scarring.

Symptoms and Signs: Persistent burning and redness with fluctuation or blurry vision, especially when associated with a sandy, gritty feeling, are hallmark symptoms of DES.

Diagnosis: Symptoms alone may be enough for your eye doctor to diagnose DES. Other diagnostic tests include a measurement of the amount of tears in your eyes using a thin strip of filter paper placed at the edge of the eye, called a Schirmer test, or microscopic evaluation.

Causes: Tears bathe the eye, wash out dust and debris and keep the eye moist. They also contain enzymes that neutralize the bacteria near the eyelids. In DES, the eye doesn't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. DES can occur as a part of the natural aging process, as a side effect of certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants and birth control pills, or because you live in a dry, dusty or windy climate. DES is also common with systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea, thyroid or Sjogren's Syndrome.

Long-term contact lens wear may exacerbate dry eye syndrome. In fact, dry eyes are the most common complaint among contact lens wearers. Recent research indicates that contact lens wear and dry eyes can create a vicious cycle leaving patients uncomfortable and requiring decreased or discontinued use of contact lenses.

Incomplete closure of the eyelids, eyelid disease and a deficiency of the tear-producing glands are other causes. DES is also more common in women, possibly due to hormone fluctuations.

Treatment : Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition, but the accompanying symptoms can be managed. Your eye doctor may prescribe artificial tears, lubricating eye drops that may alleviate the dry, scratchy feeling or in some cases, a mild steroid drop can reduce the inflammation associated with chronic dry eye. A new medicine called Restasis has also been highly effective for our patients.

Temporary or permanent silicone plugs in the tear ducts keep tears in your eye from draining away as quickly. The plugs can be inserted painlessly in the office and cannot be felt once inserted. Oral supplements and other oral medications are also available.

At Wang Vision Institute, we routinely manage dry eye syndrome , from mild cases to the most severe, by tailoring the treatment to each individual's cause of dry eye signs and symptoms.

If you suffer from dry eye, visit the Wang Vision Institute for help by calling 615/321-8881 for an appointment with any of our staff doctors.

Wang Vision

615-321-8881
1801 W. End Ave., 11th Floor
Nashville, TN 37203

The Wang Vision Institute provides laser vision correction & dry eye syndrome therapy to patients in the Nashville, Tennessee area. This site is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be medical advice. If you would like professional medical advice about any laser eye surgery procedure, schedule an appointment to join our next Free LASIK Seminar in Nashville, TN.

Dry Eye Syndrome

in Nashville, Tennessee