• Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
• Causes of Dry Eyes
• Diagnosis
• Treatment Options

Tampa , Florida – Dry Eyes Treatment

If you have chronically irritated and watery eyes, you’re not alone. Over ten million Americans suffer from dry eyes, a condition that usually results from a problem with the tear film that lubricates the eyes. Fortunately, there are various methods of controlling dry eye syndrome. At our Tampa, Florida center, we offer patients with dry eyes a number of treatment options.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

• Itching
• Burning
• Irritation
• Redness
• Blurred vision that improves with blinking
• Excessive tearing
• Increased discomfort after periods of reading, watching TV, or working on a computer

Causes of Dry Eyes

Aging process: The normal aging process is one of the biggest causes of dry eye syndrome. As we grow older, our bodies produce less oil – 60% less at age 65 than at age 18. This decrease in oil production affects the makeup of tear film in the eyes. With less oil in the watery layer, the tear film evaporates faster, leaving dry areas on the cornea. This is typically more pronounced in women, who have drier skin than men.

Contact Lenses: Contact lens wearers often suffer from dry eyes because contacts absorb tear film, causing proteins to form on the surface of the lens.

Diseases and/or Medications: Thyroid conditions, vitamin A deficiency, and diseases such as Parkinson’s and Sjogren’s can sometimes cause dryness. Certain medications can also adversely affect tear film in the eye.

Menopause: Many women experience dry eyes due to the hormonal changes that accompany menopause.

Working on a Computer: For some people, working on a computer can lead to dry eyes. Stopping to blink or rest the eyes can improve this problem.

Environmental Factors: Hot, dry, or windy climates, high altitude, air-conditioning, and exposure to cigarette smoke can all contribute to dry eyes.

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Diagnosis

At our Tampa Bay, Florida center, we test for dry eyes by measuring the production, evaporation rate, and quality of the tear film. We use special eye drops that highlight problems in order to diagnose the presence and extent of dryness.

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Treatment Options

Effectively treating dry eyes often involves using a combination of techniques. Our team will work with you to determine the best plan for keeping your dry eyes under control.

Artificial Tears

Many dry eye sufferers get relief from the condition simply by using artificial tears on a regular basis. While some of these products are watery and alleviate symptoms only temporarily, others are thicker and adhere to the eye longer. St. Luke’s recommends preservative-free tears because they are the most soothing and have fewer additives than other eye drops. We also suggest avoiding products that whiten the eyes – since these products do not adequately lubricate the eyes, they can actually make problems worse.

Dry Eye Treatment by Preserving Your Natural Tears

One of the most effective methods of retaining your natural tears is by restricting the amount that drains away from your eyes, known as punctal closure. Punctal closure is designed to permanently reduce the drainage of your valuable tears to relieve your dry eyes. By reducing drainage, more of your natural tears will remain in your eye to protect your vision and provide necessary nutrients and protectants to your eye.

Lifestyle Changes

The following simple lifestyle changes can sometimes greatly improve dry eye syndrome:

• Drink eight to ten glasses of water each day to keep the body hydrated and to flush out impurities
• Blink frequently, especially when watching TV or working on a computer
• Avoid rubbing your eyes – this worsens irritation

Contact our eye care and cosmetic surgery practice in Tampa, Florida so we can discuss which dry eyes treatment options might work best for you.

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