Dry Eye Disease

What is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye is a common condition that affects both vision quality and eye comfort. Symptoms can vary from person to person but often include:

• Dry, gritty, or itchy sensations
• Stinging or burning
• Irritation
• Sensitivity to light
• Fluctuating or blurry vision
• Watery eyes

While it may seem like a minor annoyance, Dry Eye is a serious condition that can significantly impact your eye health and daily life. If left untreated, it can lead to:

• Increased risk of eye infections
• Damage to the corneal surface
• Difficulty seeing clearly and performing daily tasks
• Discomfort or intolerance with contact lenses

What causes Dry Eye?

Dry Eye can be influenced by several factors related to the environment and overall health that affect tear quality and production.

Decreased Tear Production

As we age, tear production naturally decreases, leading to dryness. Other factors that can contribute to decreased tear production include:

• Extended periods of screen time
• Exposure to pollution or smoke
• Allergies or allergy medications
• Hormonal changes, such as during pregnancy
• Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disease, or lupus

Increased Tear Evaporation

Increased tear evaporation occurs when tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes feeling dry. This can be caused by environmental factors (e.g., wind, dry air) or physical issues like eyelid problems.

Imbalance In Tear Composition

Tears are composed of three essential layers: oil, water, and mucus. An imbalance in these layers, particularly when the oil-producing meibomian glands become clogged, can lead to insufficient lubrication. This can result in dry, gritty, or burning eyes, as well as fluctuating vision.

Why Do We Have Tears?

Tears serve several vital functions for maintaining eye health:

1. Lubrication: They keep the eye surface moist, preventing dryness and discomfort.
2. Protection: Tears wash away irritants like dust and pollutants, providing a barrier against infection.
3. Nourishment: They contain essential nutrients and antibodies that support the health of the eye surface.
4. Healing: Tears help in healing minor injuries to the eye with growth factors that promote cell regeneration.

Emotional Response: Tears also express emotions, helping to convey feelings and provide a sense of relief during emotional experiences.

Understanding Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

A significant cause of Dry Eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). These tiny glands, located along the eyelid edges, produce the oil layer that prevents tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become blocked or dysfunctional, the tear film destabilizes, leading to dryness and discomfort.

How is Dry Eye Treated?

Treatment for Dry Eye varies depending on individual symptoms and underlying causes. Management options include:

At-Home Care

For mild cases, artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief. Warm compresses and eyelid hygiene can also help improve oil flow from the meibomian glands.

Advanced In-Office Treatment

For those requiring more effective solutions, MiBo Thermoflo is a highly recommended non-invasive therapy. This treatment uses controlled heat to warm the meibomian glands, unclogging blockages and restoring normal oil flow into the tear film, significantly improving comfort for chronic dry eye sufferers.

Other options may include prescription anti-inflammatory drops or additional therapies tailored to your specific needs.

Whether you experience occasional dryness or suffer from chronic Dry Eye, scheduling a comprehensive evaluation can help identify the root cause and determine the most effective treatment plan for you. Book your appointment online or call our office today.