Dry Eye

Overview

Dry eye is caused by a lack of tears, which are necessary for the normal lubrication of eyes and to wash away particles and foreign bodies. Some people just don't produce enough tears for healthy eyes, resulting in dry eye.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eye include burning, stinging, scratchiness, excessive irritation from the elements, discomfort from contacts and watering eyes. If the tears responsible for maintaining lubrication do not keep the eye moist enough, the eye becomes irritated. Eye irritation prompts the gland that makes tears to release a large volume of tears, overwhelming the tear drainage system.

Treatment/Procedures

There are a few ways to treat dry eye. Artificial tears, or eye drops, help lubricate and are available without prescription. Also, patients may choose to have the small channel in their nose closed to conserve tears and prevent them from draining off. If dry eye is caused by an underlying disease, a corneal transplant may be required.

Prevention

Patients can prevent their tears from evaporating by using a humidifier and avoiding overly dry, warm rooms, hair dryers, smoke and wind.

Rehabilitation

There is no rehabilitation from dry eye. Patients learn to live with the condition and find the right treatment options for them. If dry eye is caused by an underlying disease, a corneal transplant may be required. If so, the patient must wear an eye patch for a certain period of time, which protects the new cornea from injury. Eye drops are required to prevent rejection of the transplant, and full vision recovery may take up to a year.