Do you have Dry Eye Syndrome?
You might, if you suffer from one or more of these common symptoms:

• Dryness
• Stinging
• Itching
• Burning
• A feeling of having a foreign particle in the eye.

Dry eye can have a variety of causes including age, genetics, environmental factors and many common medications, including antibiotics, birth control pills and hypertension medication.

Fortunately, in most cases, we can help. Several treatment options are available.

Treatment may be as simple as prescribing artificial tears to supplement the natural tear film. Other possible remedies include humidifiers and homeopathic treatments. In more severe cases, a newer treatment called a Punctum Plug can produce amazing results. These plugs slow down the drainage of the tears from the eye surface, keeping vital lubricants where they are needed.

What is dry eye?
Eyes that have insufficient or poor quality tear film can develop dry eye when the tear film fails to keep the tissues on the front of the eye moisturized and lubricated.

Your tear film is composed of 3 layers:

• An inner mucus layer that allows the tears to spread smoothly on the eye surface.
• A thick watery layer that nourishes the eye surface.
• A thin oily layer that helps prevent evaporation.

A change in tear composition and/or volume is common as we get older. Other factors such as environment and medications may also affect tears. Medications such as antihistamines, oral contraceptives, and anti-depressants commonly cause or contribute to dry eye. General health problems such as arthritis may also affect tear quality, creating dry eye.

Will dry eye harm my eyes?
If untreated, it can. Excessive dry eye can damage tissue and possibly scar the cornea of your eye, impairing vision. Dry eye can make wearing contact lenses more difficult since tears may be inadequate to keep the lenses wet and lubricated. This can lead to irritation and a greater risk of infection. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor's recommended treatment plan.

What should I do?
The first step in determining if you have Dry Eye Syndrome is to receive an evaluation. This should start with your optometrist but may include others if the condition is related to other health factors.

A series of tests helps us gather information about the quality and quantity of your tear film. If you have dry eye, these tests also help Dr. Ward determine whether or not it has caused any damage to the front surface of the eye.

Diagnosis can be done quickly and painlessly right in our office. If you would like more information about what tests are used to diagnose and evaluate Dry Eye, please contact our office.

Can it be treated?
Dry eye usually cannot be cured, but treatments are available to minimize symptoms and keep the eyes healthy.

• Eye drops, ointments, or a gel can be used to supplement your natural tear film.
• Increasing the humidity in the home and/or office with a humidifier is very helpful for many patients. Because the eyes are often driest at night, most patients place a humidifier in their bedroom.
• Some homeopathic preparations also are effective. Many of our patients have had success with Similisan^© eye drops, which are available in our office. If you suffer from dry eye and haven't tried this option, ask us for a sample!

For many, we find the most successful treatment to be "punctum plugs." These small plugs are inserted in the tear duct in the inside corner of the eyelid. This tear duct drains tears from the eye to the nasal passage. (That's why your nose runs when your eyes water!)

By blocking this duct we can slow down the drainage of tears, creating a larger "reservoir" of tears on the surface of the eye. This treatment is painless and is usually covered by your medical insurance. Dr. Ward has successfully treated many patients with this option and even has them in his own eyes. He can tell you from first-hand experience that they are a very effective treatment!

If you have been diagnosed with dry eye and need further treatment or if you have symptoms that you think may be due to dry eye, call us for an appointment. After an evaluation, we'll be happy to discuss your options with you and get you started with the appropriate treatment.