Dry Eye Causes, Solutions, and Refractive Surgery Considerations

If you suffer from dry eye syndrome, you are not alone. It is estimated that 10 million Americans share your diagnosis. Dry eye typically occurs when the tear glands fail to generate enough tears to keep eyes adequately moisturized, or the tear film fails to keep moisture locked in for adequate hydration. Symptoms of dry eye may include itchiness, irritation, burning, and excessive tearing. Dry eye syndrome can be caused by many things, including:

• Aging. As our bodies produce less oil, the tear film functions less efficiently to hold moisture within the eye.
  


• Climate. Dry, windy conditions can cause the eyes to become excessively dry.
  


• Medications. Certain medications available over the counter as well as some prescription drugs may cause dry eye.
  


• Contact lenses. Lenses can absorb the tear film responsible for holding moisture in for eye hydration.
  


• Hormonal imbalance. Medical conditions involving an imbalance of hormones as well as the normal transition known as menopause can cause dry eye syndrome to develop.
  


• Refractive surgery. Lasik, PRK and other vision correction surgical procedures can cause dry eye syndrome temporarily or on a more permanent basis.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Dry Eye

Dry eye is easily diagnosed via two tests. One test measures the quantity of tears being produced, while the other assesses their quality.

Once diagnosed, there are a variety of treatment options available for dry eye syndrome relief depending on the cause. Preservative-free artificial tears can be used on a regular basis for temporary relief. Some products have longer term results than others.

If patients are utilizing over the counter remedies, it is important to keep in mind that artificial tears and redness removal drops are not the same thing. The latter may actually irritate dry eyes rather than soothe and hydrate them.

Alternatively, the tear drain openings in the lower eyelids may be plugged temporarily or permanently. This keeps tears on the surface of eyes longer, increasing the level of hydration. Hydrating the body naturally from within by drinking plenty of water can also help relieve dry eye syndrome symptoms. Certain supplements such as flaxseed oil are another treatment option.

Implications and Precautions

Treatment of dry eye is important for corneal health as well as comfort. It is important to discuss dry eye symptoms with your doctor in order to rule out serious medical conditions as the underlying cause. Dry eye syndrome and any treatments undertaken should be noted in your medical history.

Refractive Surgery and Dry Eye

Because of the likelihood of a cause and effect relationship between your refractive surgery and dry eye, it is extremely important to discuss any pre-existing dry eye symptoms prior to surgery. A careful consideration of your dry eye condition will need to be done as part of a responsible screening process.

A preexisting dry eye condition does not necessarily make you ineligible for refractive surgery, and dry eye does not necessarily have to worsen following surgery, either. The faster the healing of the corneal nerves, the faster tear production and tear film functionality resumes.

In some instances, refractive surgery and dry eye conditions that are preexisting are being addressed by alternative procedures to standard Lasik. PRK and other procedures that do not disrupt the corneal nerves as extensively as Lasik are sometimes better suited to patients suffering from dry eye.