Dry Eyes/Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

DRY EYES

Dry eye syndrome is a common disease in which the eye under-produces tears or tears leave the eye too quickly.  A normal functioning eye constantly produces tears to form a tear film, which acts as moisturizer and lubricant.  For someone with dry eye, the resulting lack of moisture and lubrication can cause a variety of problems.

Dry eye symptoms may include:

  • A burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation in the eyes.

  • Eyes may redden and become easily irritated by wind or smoke.

  • The eyes may produce stringy mucus.

  • Contact lenses may be difficult or impossible to wear.

  • Sometimes the eye will actually produce excessive tears, and overflow.*

*Though it sounds contradictory, sometimes the eye will actually produce excessive tears, and overflow. The eye becomes irritated by the lack of lubrication and attempts to cleanse itself with a flood of tears.  This is a similar phenomenon to the tearing that occurs when foreign matter is stuck in one’s eye.

Dry eye causes:

  • Part of the natural aging process.

  • Deficiency of tear producing by Meibomian glands (MGD).

  • Because you live in dry or windy climate with low humidity.

  • as side effect of over-the-counter and prescription medications, such as antihistamines, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, pain relievers, etc.

  • Insufficient blinking, when staring at computer or cell phone screen.

  • Can be associated with systemic diseases such as lupus, rosacea, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome.

  • Long-term contact lens wear.

  • Incomplete closure of eyelids.

Treatments for dry eye:

  • LipiFlow: If dry eye is caused by Meibomian Glands Dysfunction, an in-office procedure is recommended. It is evaluated by scanning the glands with LipiScan and by using Meibomian glands evaluator (MGE). Relief is usually noticed with 1-2 weeks after the procedure, but best results are achieved in 8 weeks (you MUST follow doctors after-procedure instructions).

  • Over-the-counter artificial tears:  Mild cases of dry eye syndrome may be treated by applying artificial tear eye drops as little or as often as necessary, providing relief almost instantly.

  • Insertion of lacrimal (punctal) plugs: Small, not visible, collagen insert, that is placed into the tear duct, preventing existing tears from leaving the eye as quickly. It is a temporary solution, because collagen plugs dissolve in 1, 3 or 6 months.

  • Prescription medications:  Can sometimes increase tear production for those with chronic dry eye.  It does this by targeting inflammation in the eye.

  • For contact lens wearers use of artificial tears made specifically for contacts (says on the package) will help to rewet the contacts during the day. Also, switching to a different contact lens brand might help with dryness.

  • Controlling one’s environment:  Patients should avoid situations in which tears evaporate quickly; for example, by using a humidifier in a dry house, wearing wrap-around glasses in the wind, and not smoking.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of dry eye, we encourage you to contact us today to schedule a consultation.