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Dry Eye Syndrome Harrisburg PennsylvaniaHow Dry I Am (The Dry Eye Syndrome)
What are the symptoms? We produce two different types of tears. One type of tear is produced at a slow, steady rate and keeps the eye lubricated and comfortable. The other tear (reflex tear) is produced in large quantities in response to irritation or emotions. I know what you're thinking. Excess tearing from "Dry Eye" just doesn't sound logical. If the tears responsible for comfortable lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated. That's when the salty reflex tears kick in, producing an excess which can run down your cheeks. When this happens our office gets a mad rush of uncomfortable patients. What Causes Dry Eye?As we collect birthdays our natural tear production decreases. You're not going to like this, ladies, but we are more prone to this than the gentlemen. It is especially true after menopause. Arthritis is also a culprit. A specific type of arthritis called Sjogren's (so-grins) Syndrome can cause dry eyes and dry mouth. Some of your medications whether prescribed or over-the-counter, can cause reductions in your natural tear production. If you go to your ophthalmologist (eye doctor) with these complaints, be sure to tell him or her if you are using any of these medications:
Of course you can't stop taking some of these medications. You also can't put up with dry eyes. Not only is it uncomfortable but, if left untreated, it can cause damage. First and foremost, if you are experiencing any of these symptoms you must see your ophthalmologist. Only your eye doctor can diagnose the problem. Your doctor will examine your eyes and perform some tests that measure your tear production. If he or she determines that you have "DRY EYE SYNDROME" you will be started on treatment. How is Dry Eye Treated?
Eye drops called artificial tears are similar to your own tears. Since everybody's body chemistry is different, you may have to sample several types of tears before finding the one that's right for you. There are a mind-boggling amount of artificial tears on the market, so ask your ophthalmologist for his/her recommendation. RESTASIS® helps your eyes increase tear production which may be reduced by inflammation on the eye surface in Chronic Dry Eye. This increased tear production was not seen in patients using topical steroid drops or tear duct plugs. For more information, visit their website at: www.restasis.com. RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion should not be used by patients with active eye infections and has not been studied in patients with a history of herpes viral infections of the eye. The most common side effect is a burning sensation. Other side effects include eye redness, discharge, watery eyes, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itching, stinging, and blurred vision. You can obtain Restasis in Harrisburg Pennsylvania by contacting our office. If artificial tears don't do the trick there are in-office, simple, and relatively painless ways to block-off your natural tear ducts. Closure of these ducts conserves your own tears and make the artificial tears last longer. Help yourself! Tears, like any other liquid evaporate. In winter, when the heat is on, try a humidifier or a pan of water on the radiator. Wrap around sunglasses when outdoors may reduce the drying effects of wind. Smoking, air fresheners, and hair dryers can also add to the problem. So, bundle up, stock up on food, beg borrow or steal (not really) a humidifier, and lay in a supply of your artificial tear. It's going to be a LONG winter. Call us today at 800-347-5274 and SEE the difference.
Harrisburg • Lemoyne • Gettysburg
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