A Closer Look at Dry Eye

Dry eye is a common and progressive condition affecting millions of Americans that can prevent them from doing the things they love, whether that’s reading, watching movies, or doing leisure activities like hiking or bike riding. 
Causes
Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors. The first is the production of tears, which plays an important role in eye health by spreading across the cornea, keeping eyes lubricated and helping push away potentially harmful debris. Dry eye can occur when you don’t produce enough tears, or the tears you do produce either evaporate rapidly or are of poor quality.
Numerous demographic and environmental factors can also contribute to dry eye, as well as the use of digital devices, air conditioning, heat blowers and fans. Certain health conditions like diabetes, thyroid-associated diseases and immune system disorders can also play a role, along with extended contact lens use, refractive eye surgery and certain medications.
Symptoms
The symptoms of dry eye can run the gamut from being a minor inconvenience to having a major impact on your daily life and favorite activities. The five key symptoms of dry eye include: dryness, irritation, grittiness, burning and stinging. Other indications may include itchiness, tired eyes, blurred vision, excess tears and redness.
Treatment
One way to help restore moisture to the tear film and reduce the effects of dry eye is with a fast-acting, over-the-counter eye drop. For patients who suffer from dry eye caused by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), a condition where there are blockages in the oil-producing Meibomian glands located in the eyelids, Bayside Eye Center offers LipiFlow® treatment. LipiFlow® unblocks the glands, allowing the glands to resume the secretion of oily lipids needed for a healthy tear film.
If your dry eye symptoms persist and you find yourself using lubricant eye drops several times a day, LipiFlow® treatment might be right for you. For more information, call (609) 886-1578.