Dry Eyes

Dry Eye Syndrome is much like Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) only without the redness and a more dryness. Like advanced Pink Eye, this condition is also chronic, meaning that it is recurring, so underlying diseases or infections usually need to be addressed to overcome Dry Eyes completely.

This condition is, basically, unusually dry eyes due to lack of moisture in the eye area, and usually from poor tear production. Inflamed redness and irritations are sure signs that Dry Eyes Syndrome has set in. Other Dry Eye symptoms include the persistence of itchiness and burning sensations, low tear count, and, of course, constant feeling of dry out. This would make Dry Eye irritation eminently certain and ongoing.

Dry Eye treatment, like that for Pink Eye, is simple and should be initiated early to prevent the condition from developing into something serious (not blinding, but very uncomfortable and distracting). A dry eye left unattended can be very nerve-wracking and disconcerting. Artificial Tears is a common means for reducing the dryness and irritation, but these do not remove the condition; Restasis eye drops, however, is a new innovation that increases the generation of tears and therefore gets right to the source. The latter has made the former obsolete, but Artificial Tears are still prescribed as a form of quick and inexpensive alleviant for discomfort (in a word: a “quick fix”). Nutritional supplements can also increase the production of tears, and can drinking more water. Sunglasses, especially those enclosed around the edges, can minimize Dry Eyes by blocking out sun, wind, and dust, all elements known to spur on this condition. Insertion of Lacrimal or Punctal plugs into tear ducts can prevent quick and excessive drainage of tears, which need to remain in and around the eyes to ensure proper and continual lubrication.

In the case of severe Dry Eyes, however, surgery might need to be performed, but it isn’t usually serious. Refractive surgery, performed to increase flow of refractive light rays into the eyes won’t eliminate Dry Eyes, unless the malformed lens inhibiting the refractive rays is contributing to the exhibition of Dry Eyes. Whether due to irritation, low tear production, or a condition that is refractive, Dry Eye Syndrome is usually not self-initiated, so treatment must address whatever is causing the Dry Eye. Refractive surgery and Dry Eyes, then, require a common source or association.

Contact lenses and Dry Eyes, though, do have constant associations, as the prolonged presence of contact lenses can worsen the condition. All one needs to do is remove the contact lenses, and Dry Eye Syndrome can be treated easily. This depends on the particular situation and the preference of the eye doctor.

For those considering LASIK, Dry Eye Syndrome serves as a disqualifier, at least until the Dry Eyes is first eliminated. In the case of LASIK, Dry Eye symptoms make the implementation of laser surgery tricky and even dangerous. Moisture is needed for this kind surgery. The possibility of treating Dry Eye after LASIK is not a feasible option--the two do not work well together.

Dry Eye Syndrome is more a nuisance than a danger, but it can lead to complications if not treated right away. One should therefore see an eye doctor immediately if persistent irritation is experienced.