What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a condition that occurs when the eyes are unable to produce enough tears to keep them lubricated. This lack of lubrication can cause a variety of symptoms, including burning, itching, redness, and sensitivity to light. Without proper treatment, dry eye can lead to complications such as corneal ulcers, eye infections, and vision loss.
At Palermo Eye Care, we offer a range of treatments to help alleviate the discomfort of dry eye and improve overall eye health.
Why Does Dry Eye Syndrome Occur?
Several factors contribute to the development of DES, including age, gender, and hormonal changes. Additionally, it can occur due to certain medications, medical conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, and prolonged use of digital devices. Dry eye can also occur from allergies during the fall season when allergens in the air irritate the eyes and cause inflammation. Interestingly, women over the age of 50 have double the risk of developing DES than men of the same age.
What Are The Symptoms of Dry Eye?
The symptoms of DES can range from mild to severe and can significantly impact your quality of life. Here are some common symptoms:
- Stinging or burning in the eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Redness of the eyes
- Blurred vision
- Eye fatigue
- Excessive tearing
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Itchy eyes
- Eye pain
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
Those with DES may attempt to ease their discomfort by either blinking less or more frequently, rubbing their eyes, or using non-prescription artificial tears. But keep in mind that doing so may not be avised.
Blinking naturally moisturizes the eyes and gets rid of tiny particles that may enter the eye. Reduced blinking, on the other hand, can increase dryness, itching, or redness, making DES symptoms even more acute.
It is important to avoid rubbing your eyes as it can exacerbate the symptoms of DES, causing increased pain and redness. Additionally, it can introduce bacteria or other harmful particles into the eye, potentially leading to infection or other complications.
Artificial tears are a common treatment for dry eye syndrome, as they provide temporary relief by lubricating the eyes. However, excessive use is not recommended due to potential health concerns associated with preservatives found in many brands.
It’s important to seek professional treatment to address the root cause of your dry eye symptoms.
Dry Eye Treatment in Arlington Heights
Dry eye syndrome can be treated with a variety of options, depending on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, over-the-counter eye drops may be sufficient to lubricate the eyes.
In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops, anti-inflammatory drops, or a heated compress to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.
In some cases, your eye doctor may recommend punctal plugs. Tiny silicone or collagen plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to reduce drainage and keep the eyes moist. The plugs work by keeping tears in the eye for a longer period, which can help alleviate the symptoms of DES.
Staying indoors during high pollen counts, wearing sunglasses, and increasing humidity are ways to reduce allergen exposure and prevent allergy-related DES. Additionally, avoiding eye rubbing and washing hands and clothes after contact with animals can also help prevent eye allergies and dry eye.
Dry Eye Technology
At Palermo Eye Care, we stay at the forefront of advancements in medical technology and scientific breakthroughs, making DES treatment easier for our patients. We use cutting-edge technologies, such as InflammaDry, LipiFlow, and TearLab, to diagnose and treat dry eye. Using these advanced technologies ensures that our patients receive the most effective and efficient treatment for their dry eye symptoms.
InflammaDry
Elevated levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) can be found in the tears of individuals with DES. InflammaDry is a diagnostic system that measures the MMP-9 protein levels by analyzing tears inside the lower eyelid. The test is disposable, performed in-office, and only takes about 10 minutes to produce results. This technology offers a fast and convenient way to determine the presence and severity of the condition.
LipiFlow
The Meibomian glands, situated near the eyelashes, produce oils that lubricate the eyes. When these glands become blocked, DES can occur. The LipiFlow system utilizes advanced imaging technology to diagnose meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). A combination of gentle heat and light pressure is applied on the inside and outside of the eyelid to alleviate blockages and restore natural moisture. The entire procedure takes only 12 minutes.
TearLab
The TearLab device is a powerful diagnostic tool that measures tear concentration levels in human tears. Elevated levels of tear concentration indicate the presence of DES, and this device can quickly and accurately identify the condition. It consists of a test card, a test pen, and a countertop unit. The test card is a disposable microchip that collects a small sample of tear fluid in under 30 seconds. This sample is then analyzed by the test pen and sent to the reader, located in the unit. The test results are displayed within seconds.
