Dry Eye Disease is a condition that commonly occurs in patients who are unable to produce an adequate amount of tears to provide the eye with fundamental lubrication. Tears are made of a mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus. It’s this collection of bodily elements that is responsible for the eye’s smooth and clear appearance. This moisture produced from the body’s tear ducts also acts as a protective layer to prevent infection in the eye. This uncomfortable condition often leaves patients with discomforting symptoms that may worsen in certain situations throughout normal every day activity.
Dry Eye Disease Causes
This condition occurs when the eye is unable to produce enough tears or is producing low-quality tears that cannot lubricate the eye effectively. Poor quality tears are caused by an imbalance in tear composition, decreased tear production or tear evaporation, which can occur when the small glands on the edge of the eyelids become blocked or affected by various environmental factors. The following includes a collection of the many reasons that can cause dry eye disease.
- Aging
- Blinking less often
- Eyelid problems
- Medical Conditions such as: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and thyroid disorders
- Medications including: antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications
- Activities like: sitting in strongly air-conditioned rooms, riding a bike, or prolonged use of a computer screen.
- Environmental factors: wind, smoke, dry air
Dry Eye Disease Symptoms
If you’re wondering why your eyes are dry, you may be suffering from Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca – or dry eye disease. Some tell tale symptoms of this condition are as followed:
- Dryness
- Burning or Scratchy
- Redness
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Feeling of something stuck in the eye
- Light sensitivity
Dry Eye Disease Treatment
A visit to Marano Eye Care for dry eye disease will begin with a comprehensive eye exam that looks over your complete health history including prior eye complications. Our doctors will then measure the volume of your tears using the Schirmer Test. This examination uses small strips of blotting paper that are placed under the lower eyelid and left in place for around 5 minutes. The total saturation of the strip will indicate the level of your current tear production. Our team may also determine the quality of your tears by utilizing special eye drops with a dye that will determine the eye’s surface condition. Your doctor will look for patterns on the cornea like measuring how long it takes for tears to evaporate. Marano Eye Care will advise and prescribe the following to alleviate your dry eye condition.
- Eye drops
- Warm compresses over the eyes
- Eyelid massaging
- Eyelid cleansers
Dry Eye Disease Relief in New Jersey
Marano Eye Care is dedicated to providing you top quality ophthalmology services with your quality of life as top priority. Our experienced staff will accurately diagnose your condition and apply the correct treatment method from our large range of eye care services. Contact Marano Eye Care today to alleviate your potential eye conditions today and read our blog for more eye care tips.
