Information provided by the American Academy of Ophthalmology
The Eye M.D. Association

DRY EYE: A CLOSER LOOK

What are the symptoms of dry eye?

• Stinging or burning eyes;
• Scratchiness; stringy mucus in or around the eyes;
• Excessive eye irritation from smoke or wind;
• Excess tearing;
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses.

Excess tearing from “dry eye” may sound illogical, but it can be understood as the eye’s response to discomfort. If the tears responsible for maintain lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritates. Eye irritation prompts the gland that makes tears (called the lacrimal gland) to release a large volume of tears, overwhelming the tear drainage system. These excess tears then overflow from your eye.

What causes dry eye?

Tear production normally decreases as we age. Although dry eye can occur in both men and women at any age, women are most often affected. This is especially true after menopause.

Dry eye can also be associated with other problems. For example, People with dry eyes, dry mouth, an arthritis are said to have Sjögren’s syndrome.

A wide variety of common medications – both prescription and over-the-counter- can cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion. Be sure to tell your ophthalmologist (Eye M.D.) the names of all the medications you are taking, especially if you are using:

• beta-blockers;
• antihistamines;
• sleeping pills;
• medications for “nerves”; or
• pain relievers.

Since these medications are often necessary, the dry eye condition may have to be tolerated or treated with eyedrops called artificial tears.

People with dry eye are often more prone to toxic side effects of eye medications, including aartificial tears. For example, the preservatives in certain eye drops and artificial tear preparations can irritate the eye. These people may need special preservative-free artificial tears.

How is dry eye diagnosed?

An ophthalmologist is usually able to diagnose dry eye by examining the eyes. Sometimes tests that measure tear production are necessary. One test, call the Schirmer tear test, involves placing filter-paper strips under the lower eyelids to measure the rate of tear production under various conditions. Another test uses a diagnostic drop (called fluorescein or rose Bengal) to look for certain patterns of dryness on the surface of the eye.