Dry Eyes (cont.)
What causes dry eyes?
In addition to an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, dry eye can
be caused by the drying out of the tear film. This can be due to dry air
created by air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. Other
conditions that may cause dry eyes are:
- The natural aging process, especially during
menopause
- Side effects of using certain medications such as antihistamines and birth control pills
- Diseases that affect the ability to make tears, such as
Sjogren's syndrome,
rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases.
- Structural problems with the eyes that don't allow them to close properly or a problem with the tear ducts
Ask your doctor about steps you can take to help prevent dry eyes from occurring.
How are dry eyes treated?
Though dry eyes cannot be cured, there are a number of steps that can be
taken to treat them. You should discuss treatment options with an
ophthalmologist. Treatments for dry eyes may include:
- Artificial tear drops and ointments. The use of artificial teardrops
is the primary treatment for dry eye. Artificial teardrops are available over
the counter. No one drop works for everyone, so you might have to experiment to
find the drop that works for you. If you have chronic dry eye, it is important
to use the drops even when your eyes feel fine, to keep them lubricated. If
your eyes dry out while you sleep, you can use a thicker lubricant, such as an
ointment, at night.
- Temporary punctal occlusion. Sometimes it is necessary to close the
ducts that drain tears out of the eye. This is done via a painless procedure
where a plug that will dissolve quickly is inserted into the tear drain of the
lower eyelid. This is a temporary procedure, done to determine whether
permanent plugs can provide an adequate supply of tears.
- Permanent punctal occlusion. If temporary plugging of the tear
drains works well, then silicone plugs (punctal occlusion) may be used. The
plugs will hold tears around the eyes as long as they are in place. They can be
removed. Rarely, the plugs may come out spontaneously or migrate down the tear
drain. Many patients find that the plugs improve comfort and reduce the need
for artificial tears.
- Restasis. In 2002, the FDA approved the prescription eye drop
Restasis for the treatment of chronic dry eye. It is currently the only
prescription eye drop that helps your eyes increase their own tear production
with continued use.
- Other medications. Other medications, including topical steroids,
may also be beneficial in some cases.
- Surgery. If needed, the ducts that drain tears into the nose can be
permanently closed to allow more tears to remain around the eye. This is done
with local anesthetic on an outpatient basis. There are no limitations in
activity after having this surgery.
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic
Cole Eye Institute (2005).
Edited by Cynthia Dennison Haines, MD,
October 1, 2005.
Portions of this page © The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2004
Last Editorial Review: 12/18/2007
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