Many people suffer from a condition called Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic condition caused by an insufficient amount of lubricating moisture on the eye’s surface. This can result in a number of problems from minor eye irritation and tired eyes to eye infections and risk of inflammation of the cornea.

What causes dry eyes?

Dry Eye Syndrome is the result of a lack of adequate natural moisturization of the eye. This occurs when the tear glands fail to produce a sufficient amount of healthy tears. It can also be the result of a deficient chemical makeup which causes the tears to evaporate before they can moisturize the eyes.

Dry Eye Syndrome can occur for a number of reasons. Certain medications can cause it. These include:

• Some blood pressure medications
• Antihistamines
• Birth control pills
• Antidepressants
• Medications for Parkinson’s Disease

Systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, rosacea, or a condition known as Sjogren’s Syndrome earmarked by dry mouth, dry, itchy eyes, and either lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can also be accompanied by Dry Eye Syndrome.

Smoking or being exposed to secondhand smoke on a regular basis can result in dry eyes. Consistent exposure can cause chronic Dry Eye Syndrome.

Living in an area with a windy, low-humidity climate and or dusty, dry conditions can result in Dry Eye Syndrome. Wearing protective eye gear such as sunglasses or goggles can be somewhat helpful, but unless the eyes are completely covered the condition of the air itself will cause extreme dryness and irritation.

Another cause of this condition is the natural aging process. As we age, our bodies just naturally begin to produce less of the moisturizing tears the eyes need for proper lubrication. This is especially true in women once the age of 40. This is believed to be due to the fluctuation of hormones in a woman’s body once she reaches this age.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eyes are characterized by certain conditions, including chronic, persistent burning, itching, and dryness of the eyes. If it appears that a shortage of natural tears is the problem, your optometrist may measure how quickly your tears evaporate off your eyes via a special orange dye, how much inflammation is present on the surface of your eye via a green dye test, as well as other dry eye measurements as necessary.

Another symptom of Dry Eye Syndrome is a persistent feeling that there is some foreign matter in the eye causing irritation when in fact, there is nothing there.

As inconsistent as it may seem given the nature of the condition, another indication of Dry Eye Syndrome can sometimes be watery eyes. This is caused by the overproduction of the watery portion of the tears as the eyes try to correct the issue.

Treating Dry Eyes

The unpleasant symptoms of the condition can be successfully treated. A popular and effective dry eyes treatment is artificial tears, a special type of lubricating eye drops used to relieve dry, itchy, irritated eyes. This treatment has also been effective in treating the feeling of some foreign object being present in the eye. Artificial tears are also available as a prescription to increase tear production in the eyes. For faster, short-term relief a steroid may also be prescribed.

For those who wear contact lenses, artificial tears can’t be used while the contacts are in the eyes. They must be removed and left out of the eye for a period of time while the treatment is working. If the dry eye condition is mild, a solution of contact lens re-wetting drops can temporarily relieve the irritation and discomfort.

To help alleviate the irritation brought on by air conditioners or heating units indoors, make sure to keep their air filters clean. Wash them thoroughly regularly or replace disposable filters often. Consider purchasing a humidifier to add moisture to dry air caused by heating or air conditioning.

In some cases, Dry Eye Syndrome can be serious enough for your ophthalmologist to insert punctal plugs. These are small devices that are placed in the tear ducts located in the eyelids. The punctal plugs help to keep the tears on the surface of the eye. They slow the drainage of the tears, allowing the eyes to retain the moisture for a longer time, bringing relief from dry, itchy, irritated eyes.

For those who suffer from dry eyes due to a condition called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), warm compresses on the eyes may bring relief. For more severe irritation brought on by this condition, your ophthalmologist may perform an in-office procedure which will restore normal function by removing the blockage from the tear glands.