WHAT IS DRY EYE SYNDROME?

Dry Eye Syndrome is actually a collection of symptoms that make up an eye condition that stems from an imbalance in the quantity or the quality of tears. These symptoms include dry, red, gritty and even watery eyes. Often, dry eye sufferers report the feeling of something foreign within the eye or eye strain.

How Do Tears Function?

Tears bathe and lubricate the eyes. Each time you blink, Lipid Layer new tears are formed in Aqueous Layer the several glands located Mucin Layer around each eye. A healthy tear film consists of a delicate balance of three layers:

• Outer Lipid (Oily) Layer - Reduces evaporation of the watery layer of tears.
• Middle Aqueous (Watery) Layer - 98% water, cleanses the front surface of the eye.
• Inner Mucin (Mucus) Layer - Stabilizes the tear film.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

The moisture level in the eye is maintained by the balance of tear production and tear loss through drainage and evaporation. When this balance is not sustained, dry spots appear on the eye's surface and cause irritation.

Can Watery Eyes Be a Symptom of Dry Eye Syndrome?

Yes. As odd as it sounds, many dry eye sufferers experience "wet eye" due to the tear glands over-producing watery, or reflex tears to compensate for lack of a balanced tear film.

Can Dry Eye Harm My Eyes?

Yes. If untreated, severe Dry Eye Syndrome can damage tissue and possibly scar the cornea of the eye, leading to irreversible, sight threatening conditions.

Can Dry Eye Syndrome Affect My Ability to Wear Contact Lenses?

Yes. Dry Eye Syndrome is the leading cause of contact lens intolerance or discomfort. Contacts can cause tears to evaporate from the eyes causing irritation, protein deposits, infection and pain.

Can Dry Eye Syndrome Be Cured?

There is no known cure for Dry Eye Syndrome although you can relieve the symptoms and reduce your chances for complications.

Dr. Glinski recommends Thera Tears™ to treat dry eye. Nothing is better since it actually has been clinically proven to cure dry eye. Visit www.theratears.com for more information.

How is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?

Your eyecare professional can perform a simple, in-office diagnostic test to evaluate the quality and quantity of your tears. General health, medications and environmental factors will be a consideration in diagnosing dry eye.

How is Dry Eye Syndrome Treated?

Depending on the causes, Dry Eye Syndrome can be treated as a temporary problem or a lifelong disease requiring long-term treatment. Either way, tears must be conserved or replaced in order to provide relief.

Replacing the Tears:

Artificial Tears are probably the most common form of treatment for Dry Eye symptoms. These will provide temporary relief, but with prolonged use, artificial tears can actually disrupt the eye's natural production of tears and lead to further aggravation of the condition, washing away the natural infection fighting tear film on the eye.

Conserving the Tears:

In cases of persistent dry eye symptoms, permanent closure of the tear duct, or punctal occlusion, may be the best solution. Punctal occlusion allows you to retain your own, natural tears without the bother or expense of constantly replacing the tear film with artificial tears.

How Can Punctal Occlusion Help Me Keep My Natural Tears?

Punctal Occlusion acts very much like a stopper in a sink: when the punctal opening is closed, tears stay on the eye longer.