Eye Conditions & Diseases

Dry Eyes (Keratitis Sicca)

The tear film in the human eye is a very complex fluid. It is secreted by various glands around the eye. The tear film has mechanical, lubricating action and protects the eyes from harmful bacteria, allergens and other infecting substances. All of us develop less thick tears from age 40 on. This process is progressive and by the time we reach our 70s and 80s, the tear film is rather watery and not an effective barrier against scratching of the eyes or bacterial invasion.

As this is a common problem, we feel that everyone should use artificial tears if they have chronic wet, scratch, itchy or burning irritated eyes. The first line of defense is using artificial tears at bedtime and the first thing in the morning. When artificial tear supplementation does not give sufficient relief, making better use of the body's own tears in an effective treatment mode. This can be accomplished by blocking the drain of tears off the eyes with punctual plugs. After an evaluation is done with several tests to establish the quantity and character of the tear film, plugs can be placed in the puncta that drain tears off the eyes and retention of a better tear film can be achieved. A trial of temporary plugs is sometimes done before going forward with non-dissolvable ones.

In all dry eye patients, the use of artificial tears must become part of their lifestyle. Certainly, for the patient with any mild to moderate eye discomfort of a chronic nature, a trial for a short time with over-the-counter artificial tears is warranted. If the problem persists, please make arrangements with your eye care professional for an evaluation.