Painful dry eyes?

This may be the cause

It may be March, but we arent out of the woods yet when it comes to cold weather.
While many may wish for winter to pass by so they can ditch the parkas, theres an even
more important reason to get out of the cold. Your eyes. Harsh winds and cold air can
damage your eyes, causing a painful condition known as dry eye syndrome. Want to
know how to avoid it? Continue reading to discover what causes painful dry eyes and
what you can do to protect yourself this winter.

When your eyes are unable to produce enough tears, or when the moisture evaporates too
quickly, they can be left feeling sore, dry, and itchy. The risk of experiencing dry eye syndrome
increases during cold season, as harsh weather conditions can increase the rate at which your
tears evaporate. Specialists recommend decreasing your alcohol and caffeine intake, as well as
wearing sunglasses when out in the elements to protect your eyes from the cold and wind.

Dry eye syndrome can cause complications worse than just pain and irritation. Without enough
moisture, your eyes are unable to properly flush out any dust, debris, or bacteria meaning,
perfect ground for the development of an eye infection. Your eyes also produce tears as a
protective response to perceived threats such as grit and dirt. A disruption to this process can
result in blurred vision and damage to the cornea that is not only extremely painful, but can harm
your eyesight permanently.

Take precautions this winter and protect your eyes by staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol and
caffeine, and wearing sunglasses in cold or windy conditions dry eye syndrome can leave your
eyes vulnerable to threats that may cause lasting damage.

http://www.belmarrahealth.com/painful-dry-eyes-may-cause/

Dry eyes signs, symptoms, and causes

By: Mohan Garikiparithi | Eye Health | Monday, August 15, 2016 - 12:30 PM

13



 Dry eyes is a condition of insufficient tear
production, which makes your eyes dry and feeling gritty as a result. There are numerous reasons
for dry eyes, including allergies, poor tear quality, and even medications.

Dry eyes is a highly uncomfortable condition. Some people may experience burning, itchiness,
and even temporary blurry vision. The condition itself may be temporary or chronic, depending
on the cause.

Causes of dry eyes

Common causes of dry eyes include:
Poor tear quality: The tear film is comprised of oil, water, and mucus. An issue with any of these
three levels may result in dry eyes.
Reduced tear production: Many factors may reduce your ability to tear. Age is a factor, as well as
eye surgery and any medical condition that affects tear production.
Eyelid problems: Having trouble blinking can lead to dry eyes.
Medication: Some medications may affect your ability to produce enough fluid to keep eyes moist.
Environment: Wind, air, and intense concentration can lead to dry eyes.
Allergies: When seasons change, especially from winter to spring. The amount of pollen produced
mainly depends on how long and how cold the winter was. Trees do not pollinate at the same time,
but colder winters delay some types of tree pollination. This causes pollination for different trees to
occur all at once, thus increasing the severity of allergy symptoms.
Sjgrens syndrome: This is an autoimmune disease where a person does not produce enough
saliva or tears, resulting in dry eyes and dry mouth.

Signs and symptoms of dry eyes

Here are the symptoms you need to be aware of:
Blurred vision
Stinging, burning sensation
Increase irritation
Eye fatigue
Light sensitivity
Redness
Feeling of having something in your eye
Periods of excessive tearing.
These are the dry eye symptoms to look out for if youre concerned that you may have dry eyes.
http://www.belmarrahealth.com/dry-eyes-signs-symptoms-causes/
Can dry eyes cause migraines and headaches?
By: Devon Andre | Eye Health | Tuesday, August 16, 2016 - 11:30 AM

15
2

If youve ever wondered Can dry eyes cause

migraines and headaches? the simple answer to that question is, yes. But before we discuss the
association between dry eyes and migraines, lets get a quick overview of dry eyes.

While dry eye symptoms may be experienced differently by different people, some general
commonalities include stinging, burning, or grittiness of the eyes.
Other symptoms you may encounter are excess tears following dryness, eye discharge,
inflammation, blurred vision, heavy eyelids, inability to cry, uncomfortable contact lenses,
inability to stare at a computer monitor or TV, and tired eyes.
Some people may also experience migraines and headaches. In fact, dry eyes seem to be more
common among those who suffer from migraines and headaches. The connection between
migraines and dry eyes is not fully understood, but researchers believe inflammation may be
linking the two together.
Alternatively, migraines may also be a result of structural differences in your eyes. In a 2015
study, researchers found differences in the ocular structures of those who suffered from
migraines and those who did not.

Certainly, additional research is required to better understand the connection between dry eyes
and headaches. Whether headaches are a symptom of dry eyes or the other way around is yet to
be determined. Both headaches and dry eyes can also be a side effect of certain medications.

If you suffer from headaches and migraines, it may be beneficial to treat dry eyes, too, for
additional relief.

Treatment options for dry eyes and headaches

Some treatment options for dry eyes include changing your environment, using a humidifier,
becoming aware of your allergies, following your allergy treatment plan, using artificial tears
and prescription eye drops, wearing medicated contacts, and, in extreme cases, surgery.
Here are some examples of home remedies for headaches:
Biofeedback: Electronic sensors monitor body functions and data fed back to the patient
through sound and computer images to help teach the patient how to control responses such as
tight muscles, heart rate, etc., for preventing headache.
Acupuncture: Needles are inserted under the skin to improve energy flow. Some studies show
that acupuncture can be effective in acute migraine prevention.
Neck stretches: Muscle tension can add to the pain of a headache, so doing muscle stretches can
be helpful when symptoms are present.
Aerobics: Brisk walking, swimming, and cycling have been known to reduce the frequency and
severity of headaches for some people.
Gentle massage: If you can locate the optical nerve and gently massage the back of the head, as
well as the base of the skull, it can bring headache relief.
Cold compress: Applying a cold compress to the affected area of the head can be helpful in
cases of the throbbing headache.
Meditation: Meditating can level off blood pressure, which is why it can help with headaches.
This is something that is easy to do in the comfort of your own home or in a meditation class.
Lavender oil: This oil has a calming effect and has been used by many headache sufferers. Some
people put drops of lavender into boiling water and inhale the steam, or apply the oil right on
their temples.

http://www.belmarrahealth.com/can-dry-eyes-cause-migraines-headaches/

Dry eyes treatment, diagnosis: Facts on artificial

tears, drops, and eye ointments
By: Dr. Victor Marchione | Eye Health | Tuesday, October 25, 2016 - 12:00 PM

6



 Treatment options for dry eyes include artificial
tears, drops, and eye ointments. Dry eyes is a condition of insufficient tear production, which
makes your eyes dry and feeling gritty as a result. There are numerous reasons for dry eyes,
including allergies, poor tear quality, and even medications.

Dry eyes is a highly uncomfortable condition. Some people may experience burning, itchiness,
and even temporary blurry vision. The condition itself may be temporary or chronic, depending
on the cause.
Symptoms of dry eyes include blurred vision, stinging, burning sensation, increased irritation,
eye fatigue, light sensitivity, redness, feeling of having something in your eye, and periods
of excessive tearing.
Below we will outline the diagnostic methods for dry eyes along with the many different
treatment options available.

Tests and diagnosis for detecting dry eyes

At first, your doctor will take into consideration your and then run a series of tests to uncover the
potential cause of your dry eyes. Below you will find the common tests which can help diagnose
dry eyes.

Fluorescein dye test: For this test, special eye drops containing a yellow dye are used in the eye,
allowing the eye specialist to see tears more clearly. This test also helps determine how long it
takes for your tears to dry out. If there is any damage on the surface of the eye, the dye will
highlight these areas as well.
Schirmers test: Small blotting paper strips are hooked on the lower eyelid. After about five
minutes, the strips are removed to detect any wetness from the eye. Strips that have accumulated
less than 10mm of wetness in five minutes indicate dry eyes.
Lissamine green test: This is a special green dye on paper test. The strip is diluted with saline
and then dropped on the surface of your eye. The green color of the strip allows for the specialist
to detect damage to the surface of the eye.
Along with these tests, you will undergo a comprehensive eye exam.

Treatment options for dry eyes syndrome

There are different treatments available to combat dry eyes. For starters, treatment can target the
underlying cause of your condition. For example, if dry eyes are a side effect of a medication you
are on, your doctor may alter your dosage or recommend an alternative medication. If you have
an eyelid condition, then you will be referred to a specialist who can address this issue.
Other treatments include the following:
Lubricant treatments: Many lubricant treatments are available without prescription and can
come in the form of drops, gels, and ointments.
Preservative-free drops: If you have to use eye drops more than six times a day, then its best
that you opt for a preservative-free eye drop. This is because using preservatives in the long run
may actually damage the eye. Preservative-free drops are also recommended for soft contact lens
wearers to keep them lubricated, because preservatives attach to the contacts, potentially
damaging the eye.
Oily tear eye drops: These types of drops replenish the oily part of the tear film and reduce
evaporation of the tears.
Eye ointments: Eye ointments are recommended to keep your eye moist while you sleep. They
are recommended for overnight use because they can lead to blurry vision.
Anti-inflammatory treatments: Medications may be prescribed in order to treat underlying
conditions, especially those that can lead to inflammation.
Corticosteroid eye drops and ointments: These are powerful anti-inflammatory medications that
are only recommended for severe cases of dry eye syndrome.
Oral tetracyclines: These are low-dose anti-inflammatories that can be used for up to four
months.
Ciclosporin eye drops: This medication suppresses the immune system and is often prescribed
when other treatments have been unsuccessful.
Serum eye drops: These may be required in rare cases of dry eye syndrome where other
medications have not worked. In order to make the serum, a blood sample is taken and the
blood cells are removed from the sample. The remaining serum is diluted and used as eye drops.
Preparing such eye drops is a long process that can take several months.
As you can see, there are many options to treat dry eyes, and your specialist can help you
determine which mode of treatment will offer you the best relief
http://www.belmarrahealth.com/dry-eyes-treatment-diagnosis-tests/

Dry Eye Treatment:

Getting Relief From Dry Eyes
Reviewed by Richard Adler, MD

Like This Page? Please Share!

On this page: Artificial tears Restasis Xiidra Steroid eye drops Lacrisert Punctal
plugs Meibomian gland expression Warm compresses Lipiflow Intense pulsed light
(IPL) Nutritional supplements Home remedies Other considerations
See also: What is dry eye syndrome, and what causes it?

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic and typically progressive condition. Depending on its cause and
severity, it may not be completely curable. But in most cases, dry eyes can be managed
successfully, usually resulting in noticeably greater eye comfort, fewer dry eye symptoms, and
sometimes sharper vision as well.

Because dry eye disease can have a number of causes, a variety of treatment approaches are
used.
The following is a list of dry eye treatments that are commonly used by eye doctors to reduce
the signs and symptoms of dry eyes. Your eye doctor may recommend only one of these dry eye
treatments or a combination of treatments, depending on the cause(s) and severity of your
condition.
Also, some eye doctors will have you complete a questionnaire about your symptoms prior to
initiating dry eye treatment. Your answers to this survey are then used as a baseline, and the
questionnaire may be administered again after several weeks of treatment to evaluate the
effectiveness of the chosen treatment approach. If you haven't established an eye doctor, click

here to find one near you.

Successful treatment of dry eyes requires that you are willing to follow your doctor's
recommendations and that you use the products he or she recommends consistently and as
frequently as directed.

1. Artificial Tears
For mild cases of dry eyes caused by computer use, reading, schoolwork and other situational
causes, the best dry eye treatment may simply be frequent use of artificial tears or other
lubricating eye drops.

Artificial tears usually are the first step in dry eye treatment.

There are many brands of artificial tears that are available without a prescription. The challenge
with using artificial tears is not lack of product availability it's the confusing number of brands
and formulations available to choose from.

Artificial tears and other over-the-counter (OTC) lubricating eye drops are available in a wide
variety of ingredients and viscosity ("thickness").
Artificial tears with low viscosity are "light" and watery. They often provide quick relief with little
or no blurring of your vision when you apply them. But often their soothing effect is very short-
lived, and sometimes you must use these drops very frequently to get adequate dry eye relief.

On the other hand, artificial tears that have a high viscosity are more gel-like and can provide
longer-lasting lubrication. But typically these drops cause significant blurring of your vision for
several minutes immediately after you apply them. For this reason, these drops often are not a
good choice for use during your work day or when you need immediate clear vision for tasks
such as driving. Instead, high-viscosity artificial tears are recommended only for bedtime use.

Also, the ingredients in certain brands of artificial tears may determine which type of dry eye
condition they are better suited for. For example, one brand might work better for aqueous-
deficiency dry eyes, while another brand may be more effective for an evaporative dry eye
condition.

If your eye doctor recommends that you use one or more brands or formulations of artificial
tears, be sure to follow the directions he or she gives you concerning when and how often you
use the drops. Also, do not substitute different brands from those your eye doctor recommends.
Using a different brand or multiple brands of artificial tears will make it difficult to assess the
success of the dry eye treatment your doctor recommended.

2. Restasis
Instead of OTC artificial tears (or in addition to them), your eye doctor might recommend daily
use of a prescription eye drop called Restasis (Allergan) for your dry eye treatment.

Restasis does more than simply lubricate the surface of your eye. It includes an agent that
reduces inflammation associated with dry eye syndrome and helps your body produce more
natural tears to keep your eyes moist, comfortable and healthy.

It's important to know, however, that the therapeutic effect of Restasis is not immediate. You
must use the drops daily for a minimum of 90 days to experience the full benefits of this dry eye
treatment.

A significant percentage of people who try Restasis will experience burning eyes early during the
first few weeks of treatment.

DRY EYE NEWS

If you work in an operating room, you're at a higher-than-normal risk for dry eyes.

Study Reveals That Operating Rooms Are A Breeding Ground For Dry Eye

September 2016 Dry eye affects about 10 to 20 percent of the population, and most of
those who have the disease are over age 50.

But if you work in a "clean room" environment, such as an operating room, you're at even
greater risk as high as 56 percent according to new research that evaluated dry eye
prevalence in surgical residents with a mean age of only 27.8 years.

Clinicians have long known that activities that decrease blink rate can increase the
prevalence of dry eye syndrome. For example, long hours spent at a computer is a well-
established risk factor for dry eye.

Sidebar continued >>

3. Xiidra
In July 2016, Shire announced it received FDA approval to market its new Xiidra (ZYE-druh)
prescription eye drops for the treatment of dry eye in the United States.

Xiidra, like Restasis, is aimed at reducing inflammation that is associated with the signs and
symptoms of dry eyes.

The safety and efficacy of Xiidra was studied in four placebo-controlled, 12-week clinical trials
that included 1,181 people with dry eyes. Participants were evaluated for dry eye signs and
symptoms just prior to starting use of the drops, then after two weeks, six weeks and 12 weeks of
Xiidra use.

In two of the four studies, participants noticed a significant reduction in dry eye symptoms after
using Xiidra for two weeks. In all four studies, participants noticed a larger reduction in dryness
symptoms after six weeks and 12 weeks of Xiidra use.

Also, at 12 weeks, a statistically significant reduction in signs of dry eyes was found among Xiidra
users compared with participants given a placebo in two of the four studies.

The most common side effects of Xiidra reported in the studies were eye irritation, altered taste
sensation and reduced visual acuity, which occurred in 5 to 25 percent of participants.
The recommended dosage for Xiidra, like Restasis, is two applications in each eye per day,
approximately 12 hours apart.

4. Steroid Eye Drops

Over the past several years, doctors have discovered the importance of inflammation as a cause
of dry eyes. Inflammation frequently causes the redness and burning associated with dry eye
disease; but in many cases, it may be present without any visible signs or symptoms at all.

Artificial tears usually do not adequately address these inflammatory changes, and your doctor
may recommend steroid eye drops to better manage the underlying inflammation associated
with dry eyes.

Often there's no "quick fix" for dry eyes. Follow your eye
doctor's instructions and be patient for results from dry eye
treatment.
Steroid eye drops are generally used short-term to quickly manage symptoms. They are often
used in conjunction with artificial tears and Restasis, as a complement to these more long-term
treatment strategies.
While a small amount of the steroid may get absorbed systemically, in the right candidate, the
effects of steroid eye drops are generally not noticed beyond the eye. Still, it's important to
discuss your medical history with your eye doctor before starting steroid eye drops.

Many different types of steroid drops are available and differ in their potency. Most doctors
prefer to start with mild steroids that are quickly degraded inside the eye. In some cases,
however, more potent drops are required to address more severe symptoms.

Steroid eye drops can increase the risk of developing high eye pressure or even cataracts if used
for extended periods of time. But these risks are low when the drops are used only on a short-
term basis for dry eye treatment.
SEE ALSO: How to Use Eye Drops Without Spilling Them All Over Your Face! >
5. Lacrisert
Lacrisert (Bausch + Lomb) is a sterile, slow-release lubricant that is placed under the lower eye
where the conjunctiva of the inside of the eyelid meets the conjunctiva of the eyeball (this
location is called the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye).
Lacrisert is a solid insert composed of a preservative-free lubricating agent (hydroxypropyl
cellulose) that slowly liquefies over time, providing an all-day moistening effect.

For most people with dry eyes, a single Lacrisert is applied once a day. The device has been
proven to relieve dryness, burning, watery eyes, foreign body sensation, itching, light
sensitivity and blurred vision, according to the company.
Lacrisert typically is recommended for patients with moderate to severe dry eye symptoms,
especially if dry eye treatment with artificial tears alone proves unsuccessful.

If improperly placed in the inferior cul-de-sac of the eye, it's possible Lacrisert could cause
a corneal abrasion. Also, Lacrisert may cause transient blurred vision, eye discomfort or irritation,
matting or stickiness of eyelashes, red eyes and sensitivity to light.
6. Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are sometimes used in dry eye treatment to help tears remain on the surface of the
eye longer.

This drawing shows the lacrimal glands and tear ducts. A lacrimal plug (or punctal plug)
has been inserted into the lower tear duct to keep the eye's moisture from draining away
too quickly. Image: Oasis Medical, Inc. [Enlarge]

A punctal plug is a small, sterile device that is inserted into one of the small openings (puncta) of
tear drainage ducts that are located in the inner corner of the upper and lower eyelids.

After these openings have been plugged, tears can no longer drain away from the eye through
these ducts. In this way the tear film stays intact longer on the surface of the eye, relieving dry
eye symptoms.
So where do the tears go? Usually they will simply evaporate from the eye surface without
symptoms. But if insertion of punctal plugs causes the eyes to "water," one or more of the plugs
can be removed.

7. Meibomian Gland Expression

A very significant percentage of dry eye cases are caused by inadequate oil (meibum) being
secreted from meibomian glands located along the margin of the eyelids.

The openings of these glands are near the base of the eyelashes, and if these openings get
clogged, the oil that is critical to keeping the tear film from evaporating too quickly cannot do its
job. This is called meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which leads to a condition called
evaporative dry eye.
To treat MGD and evaporative dry eye, your eye doctor may perform an in-office procedure
called meibomian gland expression. In this procedure, warm compresses may or may not first be
applied to your eyelids; then a forceps-type device is used to squeeze the clogged contents
(hardened meibum and possibly other substances) from the meibomian glands.

To fully express the contents of the meibomian glands and get them functioning properly,
significant pressure must be applied to the eyelids, which can be uncomfortable. But the results
usually are worth putting up with the short-term discomfort of the procedure.

8. Warm Compresses
An alternative (and potentially more comfortable) way to help open clogged meibomian glands
to treat dry eyes is to simply apply warm compresses to the closed eyelids to soften the
hardened meibum.

Unfortunately, for warm compresses to work well, some researchers say you have to use a
compress that can maintain a temperature of 108 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 10 minutes,
and the compresses have to be applied for this length of time at least twice a day.

Most people are unable or unwilling to perform this type of dry eye treatment correctly, and
shorter and less frequent use of variable-temperature warm compresses typically is ineffective.

9. LipiFlow
The LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System (TearScience) is an automated, in-office dry eye treatment
that combines the best features of warm compress therapy and meibomian gland expression.

Click on the image to watch a video about how LipiFlow works.

The patented device fits onto the eye and also over the eyelids and applies precisely controlled
heat to the lids to soften hardened meibum. At the same time, the LipiFlow system applies pulsed
pressure to the eyelids to open and express clogged meibomian glands, thereby restoring the
correct balance of oils in the tear film to relieve dry eye syndrome.

Lipiflow treatment takes approximately 12 minutes per eye. In a clinical study of the effectiveness
of the procedure, most patients (76 percent) reported improvement of their dry eye symptoms
within two weeks, and patients also showed improvement in the quality and quantity of
meibomian gland secretions and the duration of time their tear film remained on the eye before
evaporating. In some cases, however, it can take a few months for improvements to become
apparent.

Typically, the beneficial effects of the LipiFlow procedure last one to three years or longer.

Potential side effects from LipiFlow dry eye treatment include corneal abrasion, eye pain, swollen
eyelids, eyelid irritation or inflammation, chalazion, transient blurred vision, itching, and red eyes.
LipiFlow dry eye treatment typically is not covered by health insurance. Fees for the procedure
can vary from one practitioner to another and tend to range from $700 to $900 per eye.

10. Intense Pulsed Light

For well over a decade, the FDA has approved the use of intense pulsed light (IPL) to treat
rosacea on the skin. Rosacea on the skin and eyelid often occur together. Ocular rosacea presents
with dilated small blood vessels coursing along the eyelash margin in patients suffering from
blepharitis and may contribute to dry eye symptoms.
In IPL treatment, a hand-held device flashes bright light onto the skin. The light is filtered to allow
only wavelengths that can be absorbed by the dilated blood vessels. The effect of this treatment
may be the resolution of the dilated vessels and associated inflammation.

Many patients experience relief from their dry eye symptoms and become less dependent on
artificial tears and other eye drops to control dry eye symptoms after IPL therapy. For this reason,
IPL treatment may be well-suited for dry eye patients who don't want to be troubled by the
inconvenience of frequent eye drop use.

Patients usually require four to six intense pulsed light treatments, with about one month
between each treatment. Typically, the treatments are well-tolerated and are not associated with
any down-time. However, prior to the treatment it's important to discuss with your doctor how
much time you spend in the sun.

IPL treatment generally is not covered by health insurance or vision insurance and it may not be
appropriate for patients with certain skin pigmentations.
11. Nutritional Supplements
Doctors sometimes recommend nutritional supplements as part of a holistic dry eye treatment
plan. Studies have found that supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids can decrease dry eye
symptoms.
Good sources of omega-3s include cold-water fish such as salmon, sardines, herring and cod. For
a vegetarian source of omega-3s, some eye doctors recommend flaxseed oil to relieve dry eye.
Drinking more water can help, too. Mild dehydration often makes dry eye problems worse. This is
especially true during hot, dry and windy weather. Simply drinking more water sometimes
reduces the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

12. Home Remedies for Dry Eyes

If you have mild dry eye symptoms, there are several things you can try to get relief before going
to the eye doctor:

Blink more frequently. When using a computer, smartphone or other digital device, we tend to
blink our eyes less frequently than normal, which can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms. Make a
conscious effort to be aware of this, and blink more often when using these devices. Also,
perform full blinks, gently squeezing your eyelids together to wash your eyes fully with a fresh
layer of tears.

Wraparound-style sunglasses and eyewear with side shields can protect your eyes from
moisture-robbing wind and irritating debris. Shown here are Churada sunglasses with
removable foam eyecups and Nereus eyewear with removable silicone eyecups. Both can
accept prescription lenses and are manufactured by 7eye by Panoptx.

Take frequent breaks during computer use. A good rule of thumb here is to look away from
your screen at least every 20 minutes and look at something that is at least 20 feet from your
eyes for at least 20 seconds. Some eye care practitioners call this the "20-20-20 rule," and abiding
by it can help relieve both dry eyes and computer eye strain.
Remove eye makeup thoroughly. Eyeliner and other eye makeup can clog the openings of the
meibomian glands at the base of the eyelashes, leading to meibomian gland dysfunction and
evaporative dry eye. At the end of the day, be diligent about remove all traces of makeup from
your lids and lashes.
Clean your eyelids. When washing your face before bedtime, gently wash your eyelids to
remove bacteria that can cause blepharitis and meibomian gland problems that lead to dry eye
symptoms. Apply a warm, moist washcloth to your closed lids for a minute or two. Then gently
scrub your lids and lashes with a mild cleanser, such as diluted baby shampoo or premoistened
eyelid wipes sold in drugstores.
Wear quality sunglasses. When outdoors during the day, always wear sunglasses that block 100
percent of the sun's UV rays. It's best if they feature a wrap-style frame to protect your eyes from
wind, dust and other irritants that can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms.
TOP DRY EYE HOT SPOTS

The National Women's Health Resource Center has named the top 100 dry eye hot spots in
the United States based on information compiled from the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration's Climatic Data Center and the Environmental Protection
Agency.

Factors used in the selection process included temperatures, humidity, wind, altitude,
pollutants and ocular allergens.
The top 20 U.S. cities named as dry eye hot spots are:

1. Las Vegas, Nev.

2. Lubbock, Texas*
2. El Paso, Texas*
4. Midland/Odessa, Texas
5. Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
6. Atlanta, Ga.
7. Salt Lake City, Utah
8. Phoenix, Ariz.
9. Amarillo, Texas
10. Honolulu, Hawaii

11. Oklahoma City, Okla.

12. Albuquerque, N.M.
13. Tucson, Ariz.
14. Norfolk, Va.
15. Newark, N.J.
16. Boston, Mass.
17. Denver, Colo.
18. Pittsburgh, Pa.
19. Bakersfield, Calif.*
19. Wichita, Kan.*

*Cities were tied for these spots.

Other Dry Eye Treatment Considerations

In addition to the dry eye treatments listed above, your eye doctor may recommend one or more
of the following supplemental measures if any of the conditions below apply to you:

Medication adjustment. Many medicines including antihistamines, antidepressants, birth

control pills, certain blood pressure medications and more can cause or worsen dry eye
symptoms. Even over-the-counter (nonprescription) medications for allergies and other
conditions can cause dry eyes.
Be sure to discuss all medications you are taking with your eye doctor if you are experiencing dry
eye problems. In some cases, adjusting the type and number of medications you are taking may
help reduce dry eye symptoms without causing adverse health effects.

However, never discontinue a prescription medication without first discussing the matter with
your physician. If your eye doctor feels an adjustment to one of your medications may help
relieve dry eye symptoms, he or she can discuss it with your physician (or have you discuss it with
your doctor) to see if such a change is possible.

Treating eyelid conditions. If you have blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction or other eyelid
conditions, these often are associated with dry eye disease and should be addressed as part of
your overall dry eye treatment regimen. For example, if you have blepharitis, your eye doctor may
recommend use of an antibiotic and/or steroid ointment or eye drop in addition to daily eyelid
cleansing with a non-irritating shampoo.
Discontinuing or reducing contact lens wear. If you wear contact lenses, it can be difficult to
tell if an underlying dry eye condition is causing contact lens discomfort or if your contact lenses
are causing dry eye symptoms. If you wear contacts, it's often best to discontinue wearing them
(or perhaps switch to daily disposable contact lenses for part-time wear only) while your dry eye
treatment is in progress.

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About the Reviewer: Richard Adler, MD, is a member of All About

Vision's editorial advisory board. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist and corneal
specialist at Belcara Health a premier multi-specialty practice in Baltimore that offers
ophthalmology (including

http://www.allaboutvision.com/conditions/dryeye.htm

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

Reviewed by Richard Adler, MD

Like This Page? Please Share!

On this page: Prevalence Symptoms Causes Risk factors Dry eye tests Treatment and
prevention
See also: Dry eye treatments recommended by eye doctors How to put drops in your eyes
without spilling
 Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface
of the eye. Consequences of dry eyes range from subtle but constant eye irritation to significant
inflammation and even scarring of the front surface of the eye.

In addition to being called dry eye syndrome, dry eye disease, or simply "dry eye," alternative
medical terms used to describe dry eyes include:

Keratitis sicca. Generally used to describe dryness and inflammation of the cornea.
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Used to describe dry eye that affects both the cornea and
the conjunctiva.
Dysfunctional tear syndrome. Used to emphasize that inadequate quality of tears can be just
as important as inadequate quantity.

Dry eyes can become red and irritated, causing a feeling of scratchiness.

Prevalence Of Dry Eye

Dry eyes are very common, and dry eye syndrome is a major reason for visits to the eye doctor. A
recent online poll revealed that nearly half (48 percent) of Americans age 18 and older regularly
experience dry eye symptoms.
Also, results from a 2012 Gallup poll show that more than 26 million Americans suffer from dry
eyes, and this number is expected to increase to more than 29 million within 10 years.

Other sources estimate that nearly five million Americans age 50 and older have clinically
significant dry eye syndrome, and dry eyes affect nearly twice as many women as men.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eyes and dry eye syndrome include:

Burning sensation
Itchy eyes
Aching sensations
Heavy eyes
Fatigued eyes
Sore eyes
Dryness sensation
Red eyes
Photophobia (light sensitivity)
Blurred vision
Another common symptom is something called a foreign body sensation the feeling that grit
or some other object or material is "in" your eye.

And as odd as it may sound, watery eyes also can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. This is
because dryness on the eye's surface sometimes will over-stimulate production of the watery
component of your tears as a protective mechanism. But this "reflex tearing" does not stay on the
eye long enough to correct the underlying dry eye condition.
In addition to these symptoms, dry eyes can cause inflammation and (sometimes permanent)
damage to the surface of the eye.

Dry eye syndrome also can affect the outcomes of LASIK and cataract surgery.

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What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

An adequate and consistent layer of tears on the surface of the eye is essential to keep your eyes
healthy, comfortable and seeing well. Tears bathe the eye's surface to keep it moist and wash
away dust, debris and microorganisms that could damage the cornea and lead to an eye
infection.
A normal tear film consists of three important components:

1. An oily (lipid) component

2. A watery (aqueous) component
3. A mucous-like (mucin) component

Dry eye syndrome

[Infographic]

Each component of the tear film serves a critical purpose. For example, tear lipids help keep the
tear film from evaporating too quickly and increase lubrication, while mucin helps anchor and
spread the tears across the surface of the eye.
Each tear component is produced by different glands on or near the eye:

1. The oily component is produced by meibomian glands in the eyelids.

2. The watery component is produced by lacrimal glands located behind the outer aspect of the
upper eyelids.
3. The mucin component is produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva that covers the white of
the eye (sclera).
A problem with any of these sources of tear film components can result in tear instability and dry
eyes, and there are different categories of dry eyes, depending on which component is affected.

For example, if the meibomian glands don't produce or secrete enough oil (meibum), the tear
film may evaporate too quickly a condition called "evaporative dry eye." The underlying
condition called meibomian gland dysfunction is now recognized as a significant factor in
many cases of dry eye syndrome.
In other cases, the primary cause of dry eye is a failure of the lacrimal glands to produce enough
watery fluid (aqueous) to keep the eyes adequately moistened. This condition is called "aqueous
deficiency dry eye."

The specific type of dry eye often will determine the type of treatment your eye doctor
recommends to give you relief from your dry eye symptoms.

DRY EYE NEWS

Eyes Are Dry Most Often When Springtime Allergens Are In The Air

May 2015 Ever notice that your eyes are dryer in April than during other months? This
happens to be the same month when springtime allergens are peaking, and a study seems to
have found a definitive link between them.

Researchers at the University of Miami reviewed 3.4 million visits to Veterans Affairs eye
clinics between 2006 and 2011, when about 607,000 people were diagnosed with dry eye.

Sidebar continued >>

 Factors Associated With Dry Eye Syndrome
A number of factors can increase your risk of dry eyes. These include:

Computer use. When working at a computer or using a smartphone or other portable digital
device, we tend to blink our eyes less fully and less frequently, which leads to greater tear
evaporation and increased risk of dry eye symptoms.
Contact lens wear. Though it can be difficult to determine the exact extent that contact lens
wear contributes to dry eye problems, dry eye discomfort is a primary reason why people
discontinue contact lens wear.
Aging. Dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, but it becomes increasingly more common
later in life, especially after age 50.
Menopause. Post-menopausal women are at greater risk of dry eyes than men of the same
age.
Indoor environment. Air conditioning, ceiling fans and forced air heating systems all can
decrease indoor humidity and/or hasten tear evaporation, causing dry eye symptoms.
Outdoor environment. Arid climates and dry or windy conditions increase dry eye risks.
Frequent flying. The air in the cabins of airplanes is extremely dry and can lead to dry eye
problems, especially among frequent flyers.
Smoking. In addition to dry eyes, smoking has been linked to serious eye problems,
including macular degeneration, cataracts and uveitis. (For details, see our infographic
about why smoking is bad for your eyes.)
Health conditions. Certain systemic diseases such as diabetes, thyroid-associated diseases,
lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome contribute to dry eye problems.
Medications. Many prescription and nonprescription medicines including antihistamines,
antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications and birth control pills increase the risk
of dry eye symptoms.
Eyelid problems. Incomplete closure of the eyelids when blinking or sleeping a condition
called lagophthalmos, which can be caused by aging or occur after cosmetic blepharoplasty or
other causes can cause severe dry eyes that can lead to a corneal ulcer if left untreated.
Also, LASIK and other corneal refractive surgery can sometimes cause dry eyes. In most cases,
however, dry eye discomfort after LASIK is temporary and resolves within a few weeks of the
procedure.

If you have dry eyes prior to LASIK, your eye doctor may recommend a dry eye treatment
regimen before your procedure to insure the best possible LASIK results.
DRY EYE NEWS
Smartphone Use Linked To Dry Eye In Schoolchildren

There might be another cost associated with children using smartphones besides a large
monthly bill from the phone company: It could be causing kids to develop dry eye disease at
an early age.

Researchers in Korea evaluated risk factors for dry eye disease among schoolchildren who
used video devices, including smartphones. They examined 288 children and classified them
as either having dry eyes or having a normal, moist eye surface (control group). Each child
completed a questionnaire concerning the types of video devices they commonly used
(computer, smartphone and television) and the amount of time they spent using each device.

Sidebar continued >>

Dry Eye Tests

The only way to know for sure if you've got chronic dry eye syndrome is to have your eye doctor
perform one or more dry eye tests during an eye exam.

Symptoms alone are poor predictors of the presence and severity of dry eye disease. Symptoms
can vary significantly from person to person, and may even be affected by personality type. Some
people with only minimal or mild dry eyes may feel their eyes are very bothersome, while others
may have significant dry eye problems and not consider their symptoms significant enough to
see an eye doctor (or they may not experience dry eye symptoms at all).

Only a careful examination of your eyes by an optometrist or ophthalmologist can reveal the
presence and severity of dry eye syndrome and help your eye doctor determine the best type of
dry eye treatment to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable and seeing well.
 Dry Eye Treatment And Prevention
Thankfully, there are effective treatment options if you suffer from chronic dry eye. In many cases,
routine use of artificial tears and minor behavioral modifications (taking frequent breaks during
computer use, for example) can significantly reduce dry eye symptoms.

In other cases, your eye doctor might recommend prescription eye medications and in-office
procedures to help your body create and secrete more tears and to decrease eye irritation and
inflammation.

For an in-depth discussion of dry eye treatments and prevention, see our Dry Eye Treatment
page.
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DRY EYE RESEARCH

Researchers have discovered a lot of interesting things about dry eyes. Here are just a few:

Dry eye syndrome is more prevalent in cities with high levels of air pollution, says one study.
Cities cited include Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. And study subjects in and
around Chicago and New York City were three to four times more likely to be diagnosed
with dry eye syndrome than those in less urban areas with relatively little air pollution. Plus,
the risk of dry eye syndrome was 13 percent higher in high altitude areas.
More than 75 percent of women who routinely use a computer at work may suffer from dry
eye disease, according to researchers in Japan. Among male workers studied, it was 60.2
percent. Risk factors for dry eye included being over 30 and using a computer more than
eight hours per day.
Reading speed can slow down for dry eye sufferers, another study found. And reading rates
decrease as the severity of the dry eye disease increases.

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