Tears are very important for the eyes for a number of reasons. They not only act as a lubricant, but also a cleanser – keeping away and washing out dust, debris and foreign objects – and also as an antibacterial, neutralizing any microorganisms which take residence on the eye’s surface.
Therefore, when tear production is insufficient, it can create many problems for the eyes. Not only are dry eyes uncomfortable, they are also more prone to injury and infection.
For incidental cases of dry eyes, over-the-counter eye lubricants are all that are required to ease the discomfort. But when the body cannot or does not produce enough tears, or when the tears are drained or evaporated too quickly to properly protect the eye, this can be a condition known as dry-eye syndrome.
Symptoms of dry-eye syndrome include:
- A burning, gritty, stinging sensation
- Light sensitivity
- Fatigue after reading for a minimal amount of time
- Increased irritation from wind or smoke
Any person can suffer from dry-eye syndrome. However, women are more prone to the condition than men; and the elderly more than young people. Dry-eye syndrome can develop as a result of environmental conditions, systemic diseases, such as Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis and contact lens wear. In addition, some over-the-counter and prescribed medications can cause dry-eye syndrome. Common medications that can contribute to dry eye problems include anti-depressants, antihistamines and birth control pills.
To treat dry-eye syndrome, Drs. Farbman, Gill and Chen can prescribe Restasis eyedrops, an artificial tear formula that contains special materials that not only lubricate and comfort the eye, but also encourage the eye to produce more tears.