Chronic Dry Eye

Chronic dry eye is an inflammatory disorder which affects tears and the surface of the eyes which affects between 5 and 30 percent of the population age 50 and older in the United States.

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The Basics of Chronic Dry Eye

Chronic dry eye is dry eye caused by one of a number of underlying conditions which lead to either an underproduction of tears (aqueous tear-deficient dry eye) or a problem with the tear composition (evaporative dry eye). This is differentiated from dry eye which is caused by environmental or other factors which can be more easily treated. Although, external factors such as dry environments, allergies, and LASIK can aggravate chronic dry eye.

Chronic dry eye can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. Chronic dry eye disease can damage ocular tissues and in very serious cases, lead to scarring of the cornea. Chronic dry eye sufferers in one study reported a decrease in quality of life that was as high as breaking one's hip due to the pain and physical limitations that was experienced.

Common Symptoms of Chronic Dry Eye

Common symptoms of chronic dry eye include general dryness and discomfort, along with a burning, stinging, or gritty feeling in the eyes. Blurry vision is also a common symptom.

What Can Cause or Contribute to Chronic Dry Eye?

There are several potential causes of chronic dry eye. These include:

Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes due to aging and menopause, as well as birth control, can affect the tears and lead to dry eye. Hormonal changes are a major reason why women are significantly more likely to suffer from chronic dry eye.
Medications: Medications such as diuretics, antihistamines, antidepressants, birth control, and hormone replacement therapy have been linked to chronic dry eye.
Other Medical Conditions: A range of medical conditions, particularly autoimmune diseases like arthritis, rosacea, sarcoidosis, and lupus. People with Sjogren's syndrome, Parkinson's disease, and diabetes also often have dry eye.
Other Contributing Factors: Deficiencies in certain vitamins, as well as environmental factors, can contribute to dry eye.

How to Know if You Have Chronic Dry Eye

If you experience the symptoms of dry eye (such as redness, stinging, burning, or gritty sensations in the eyes) over an extended period of time.

In milder cases, symptoms may come and go, and in more severe cases they will be more regular and severe.

Chronic Dry Eye Treatment in CITY

Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter eye drops to lubricate the eyes and relieve symptoms.
Prescription Eye Drops: Medication such as cyclosporine or lifitegrast that help your eyes increase tear production. Learn more about eye drops for dry eye here.
Warm Compresses and Eyelid Cleaning: Warm compresses on the eyes and gentle eyelid scrubs can help unclog oil glands. Learn more about warm compresses for dry eye here.
Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oil supplements, can help improve tear quality and reduce symptoms.
Punctal Plugs: Tiny devices inserted into tear ducts to block drainage, increasing tear film and surface moisture. Learn more about punctal plugs for dry eye here.
LipiFlow Treatment: A device that applies heat and pressure to unclog meibomian glands in your eyelids.
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL reduces inflammation and improves tear production. Learn more about IPL for dry eye here.

Remember to consult with our eye care professional by calling 111-222-3333, to find the best treatment plan for your specific condition.

Can Chronic Dry Eye Be Prevented?

There is no definitive way to prevent chronic dry eye. However, there are ways to reduce one’s risk.

Avoiding things which cause dryness, such as low humidity areas, wind, and fair dryers, can help. Using a humidifier while indoor heat is used, or wraparound glasses while outdoors, can provide some help. Remaining properly hydrated is also always a good idea.

Additionally, if you already suffer from dry eye, taking breaks while using devices with screens can help prevent symptoms from becoming further aggravated.

Changes to your diet or reducing or changing your medication, as directed by a doctor, can also help provide some relief.

Summary

Chronic dry eye, where symptoms of dry eye persist for extended periods of time, can be an unpleasant condition to live with. While there is no easy cure, chronic dry eye’s symptoms can be managed with proper treatments, as directed by a doctor. Patients with dry eyes visit our clinic from all over STATE, and we are proud to be a leading provider of dry eye care for patients from CITY, SECONDARY1, SECONDARY2, and SECONDARY3. If you are suffering from dry eye, you can schedule an appointment for a consultation at Fargo by contacting us at 111-222-3333.

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