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Dry Eye Treatment

Do you have teary or watery eyes?
Burning, itchiness, or a sandy feeling around your eyelids?

You might have dry eye syndrome.

Request A Dry Eye Appointment

Home » Eye Care Services » Dry Eye

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome? (DES)

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Dry eye syndrome occurs when tear production and drainage are not in balance. People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or their tears are of poor quality. The result? Unpleasant symptoms, including itching, burning, redness, watery eyes, excessive tearing—and even eye pain. Dry eye syndrome can also increase your risk for more serious eye problems like corneal ulcers.

Without treatment or proper medication, DES can worsen over time.

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Our tears are made up of three components: the lipid (oil) layer, the aqueous (water) layer, and the mucus (sticky) layer. These components work in unison to lubricate and coat the eyes, keeping them moist and comfortable.

Your meibomian glands control the lipids in the eye (meibum) which combine with water and mucus in the eye area to create a thin film that consistently lubricates your eyes. Meibum is an essential part of your eye’s makeup as it prevents the evaporation of the eye’s tear film.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction occurs when the meibomian glands fail to provide enough meibum. This can be triggered by various factors and causes the tear film to evaporate at a quicker rate, leading the eyes to feel dry and uncomfortable.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

While over 80% of dry eye cases are due to blocked oil glands in the eyelids — a condition called meibomian gland dysfunction or evaporative dry eye — other factors can also cause this syndrome. These include:

Gender – the majority of dry eye sufferers are women. This tends to be caused by hormonal changes, whether through the use of contraceptives, pregnancy or menopause.

Age there’s a higher prevalence of DES in those over 50 years of age

Environment – dry wind, dry air and dry climates can evaporate the tears. Home and car heaters, air conditioners, fans and hair dryers also cause tears to evaporate.

Medication – these include antidepressants, decongestants and blood pressure medications.

Auto-immune disorders – Sjogren’s disease and arthritis, among others.

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How Do I Know If I Have Dry Eye Syndrome?

Do any of these symptoms seem familiar?

  • Gritty, itchy, or stinging eyes
  • Excessive tearing and discharge
  • Eyes that feel tired or dry
  • Increased light sensitivity
  • Regularly using eye drops
  • Discomfort that worsens as the day progresses

If so, you may have dry eye syndrome.

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Do You Have More Questions About Dry Eyes? | FAQ

medical-plus medical-plus Is there a cure for dry eye syndrome?

Unfortunately, there is no permanent cure for dry eye syndrome. However, there are a number of effective ways to prevent or treat symptoms. Make an appointment today with our trusted optometrists in Ft. Lauderdale for evaluation and personalized treatment options.

medical-plus medical-plus What is the main cause of dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome commonly occurs because your eyes are not producing enough tears, or the tears being produced don’t contain the proper components to keep the eyes hydrated. An eye doctor can perform tests to determine what is causing your dry eyes, and how to treat the symptoms.

medical-plus medical-plus How do I prevent dry eye symptoms?

Many factors including allergies, hormones and the weather can cause dry eye symptoms such as dry, red, itchy and gritty-feeling eyes. Tips to prevent these symptoms include:

  • Eating foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help produce oils in your tears that slow evaporation.

 

  • Following the ”20-20-20 rule” when working on computers or screens. This means looking away from the screen every 20 minutes, for 20 seconds, at something at least 20 feet away, to give your eyes a break from the strain of working on digital screens.

 

  • Position air vents, fans and heaters so that they don’t blow directly into your eyes, drying them out.

Can dry eye syndrome cause blindness?

Yes. In extreme circumstances, dry eyes can result in scratches on the eye that leaves scars on the cornea. This scarring can make it difficult for the eye to focus incoming light, obscuring vision. This may eventually result in permanent vision damage or blindness if not treated properly.

Don’t wait for dry eye syndrome to deteriorate. Take action today by booking an appointment with Broward Eye Care today.

Request A Dry Eye Appointment