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Dry Eye Syndrome Overview

• The innermost layer is the thinnest. It is a layer of mucin (or mucus). This very thin layer of mucus is produced by the cells in the conjunctiva (the clear skin that lines the eye). The mucus helps the overlying watery layer to spread evenly over the eye.
• The middle (or aqueous) layer is the largest and the thickest. This layer is essentially a very dilute saltwater solution. The lacrimal glands under the upper lids and the accessory tear glands produce this watery layer. This layer's function is to keep the eye moist and comfortable, as well as to helpflush out any dust, debris, or foreign objects that may get into the eye. Defects of the aqueous layer are the most common cause of dry eye syndrome, also referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). 
• The most superficial layer is a very thin layer of lipids (fats or oils). These lipids are produced by the meibomian glands and the glands of Zeis (oil glands in the eyelids). The main function of this lipid layer is to help decrease evaporation of the watery layer beneath it.

• Decreased tear production 
• Excessive tear evaporation 
• An abnormality in the production of mucus or lipids normally found in the tear layer

• Poor production of tears by the tear glands may be a result of age, hormonal changes, or various autoimmune diseases, such as primary Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. 
• Evaporative loss of the watery tear layer is usually a result of an insufficient overlying lipid layer. 
• Some medications, such asantihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and oral contraceptives, may decrease tear production.

• When you read, watch TV, or perform a task that requires close attention with your eyes, you may not blink as often. This decreased blinking allows excessive evaporation of the tears. 
• Certain conditions, such as stroke or Bell's palsy, make it difficult to close your eyes on your own. As a result, your eyes may become dry from tear evaporation.

• This can result from chemical (alkali) burns to the eye or as a result of different autoimmune diseases, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and cicatricial pemphigoid. 
• This abnormal production of mucin leads to poor spreading of the tears over the surface of the eye. The surface of the eye can dry out and even become damaged, even though more than enough watery tears may be present.

• Meibomian glands are the oil glands in the eyelids that produce the lipid layer.
• If the oil glands become blocked or if the oil is too thick, there may not be enough oil to cover the watery tear layer to prevent its evaporation. 
• Also, if an infection is present along the eyelids or the eyelashes, called blepharitis, the bacteria may breakdown the oil so there may not be enough oil.

• Dry, gritty/scratchy, or filmy feeling in the eyes 
• Burning or itching in the eyes 
• Redness of the eyes 
• Blurred vision
• A sensation of having a foreign body in the eyes 
• Light sensitivity

• eye pain, 
• excessive tearing, 
• dry, gritty/scratchy, or filmy feeling in the eyes, 
• burning or itching of the eyes, 
• redness of the eyes, 
• blurred vision, 
• a sensation of having a foreign body in the eyes, or 
• light sensitivity.

• Is there a specific cause for my dry eyes? 
• What is the most effective way to treat my dry eyes? 
• Is there anything I can do to decrease the need for eyedrops or artificial tears?

• The front of your eyes are examined using a special microscope, called a slit lamp.
  • The amount and thickness of the tear film are inspected.
  • The stability of the tear film is assessed by checking the tear break-up time.
  • The conjunctiva is examined to determine if it is too dry.
  • The cornea is checked to see if it has dried out or become damaged.
• Different dyes may be used during your eye examination. 
  • Fluorescein is a yellow dye that stains the cornea where the epithelial(surface) cells have been worn away because of the lack of an adequate protective tear film. 
  • Rose Bengal is a red dye that stains the cornea and the conjunctiva where the cells are dead or dying as well as where healthy cells are inadequately protected by the tear film.
  • Lissamon Green is a green dye which likewise can help differentiate between normal and abnormal surface cells of the cornea and conjunctiva.
• Schirmer tests measure the amount of tears produced by your eyes. Your ophthalmologist places the end of a thin strip of filter paper just inside the lower eyelid. After a minute, the filter paper is removed and the amount of wetting is measured. Less wetting of the filter paper is more indicative of DES.
• The osmolarity (salt content) of the tears may be measured. This is a newer test which has been developed to aid in the diagnosis of DES. 
• If autoimmune diseases are suspected as a cause of DES, blood tests may be performed. These blood tests check for the presence of different autoantibodies that may be associated with DES. 
• Rarely a biopsy of the salivary glands may be performed. Certain disease processes affect both the salivary glands, which produce saliva in your mouth, and the lacrimal glands, which produce tears.

• A humidifier puts more moisture in the air. With more moisture in the air, your tears evaporate more slowly, keeping your eyes more comfortable. Both furnaces in the winter and air conditioning in the summer decrease the humidity in the air. 
• Excessive air movement dries out your eyes. Avoid having excessive air movement by decreasing the speed of ceiling fans and/or oscillating fans.
• Large amounts of dust or other particulate matter in the air may worsen the symptoms of dry eye. In those situations, an air filter may be helpful. 
• Hot compresses and eyelid scrubs/massage with baby shampoo help by providing a thicker, more stable lipid layer. This is especially helpful if you have meibomian gland dysfunction, rosacea, or blepharitis. The heat warms up the oil in the oil glands, making it flow more easily; the massaging action helps get the oil out of the glands. The cleansing action decreases the number of bacteria that break down the oil. 
• Artificial tears and lubricating eyedrops and gels (available over the counter) help provide more moisture and lubrication for the surface of your eye. They are typically used about four times a day, but they can be used as often as needed. Preservative-free solutions are recommended if you wish to use artificial tears more than six times a day. There is no single over-the-counter drop that is best for everyone. Each individual will determine which drop provides the most relief from symptoms. Some drops may have a longer effect than others. 
• Lubricating eye ointments are much thicker than eyedrops and gels. Because ointments are so thick, they last much longer than eyedrops and gels. However, because of their thickness, ointments may blur your vision if used during the day. Therefore, they are typically used to lubricate the eyes overnight while you are asleep. 
• If you notice your eyes are dry mainly while you are reading or watching TV, taking frequent breaks to allow your eyes to rest and become moist and comfortable again is helpful. Closing your eyes for 10 seconds every five to 10 minutes will increase your comfort, as will blinking more frequently.

• Eye lubricants may be prescribed, such as Lacrisert, an artificial tear insert. The insert is similar to a contact lens and is inserted one to two times per day. Cellulose is contained in the insert and acts to stabilize and thicken the film of tears over the eyes and to prolong the time the tear film works. The artificial tear insert must be properly inserted, otherwise corneal abrasion may occur. 
• Cyclosporine A 0.5% (Restasis) helps decrease any inflammation on the surface of your eye. This inflammation is thought to decrease the ability of your eyes to maintain a healthy tear film. Used twice a day, cyclosporine 0.5% helps you make healthier tears on your own. 
• Corticosteroid drops (Lotemax, Alrex, FML, Vexol), either alone or used in conjunction with Cyclosporine, reduce signs and symptoms of dry eye. Although the FDAhas not yet approved this group of drops for the treatment of DES, they are being successfully used by many ophthalmologists. Corticosteroid drops, if used in excess, may have some side effects, but new formulations with fewer side effects have become available. Like all medications, these should only be used under your doctor's supervision and according to her or his instructions.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops (Voltaren, Acular, Nevanac, Xibrom) likewise reduce the inflammation associated with DES.
• Antibiotics are used if you have blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction. 
  • Antibiotic ophthalmic ointments, such as erythromycin and bacitracin, among others, are used at night for about seven to 10 days to decrease the number of bacteria that break down the lipid layer of your tear film. These ointments also lubricate your eyes overnight. 
  • Oral antibiotics, particularly tetracycline and doxycycline, not only help to decrease the number of bacteria but also help to make the oil more fluid so it flows out of the oil glands more easily. This is often used if you have rosacea. There are many people who have rosacea of the eyelids and do not have the typical changes of rosacea on the rest of the face.

• Near the inner corner of each eyelid are small openings, called punctae, that are the beginning of the normal tear drainage system. A procedure known as punctal occlusion can help by decreasing the normal drainage of your tears off the eye and down the tear drainage system, into the back of your nose, and down yourthroat. This occlusion is usually a very simple office procedure and only takes a few minutes.
  • Different punctal plugs or lacrimal canalicular plugs can be placed at or just inside these openings to block the normal drainage of tears down the tear drainage system. Just like a stopper that you put in the drain of a sink to keep the water from flowing down the drain, these plugs keep the tears that you have from flowing down the tear drainage system. Therefore, your eyes stay more moist and comfortable, even if you have fewer tears. These plugs can usually be removed very easily, if necessary. 
  • Sometimes, in severe cases of DES, these openings are permanently closed, usually by cautery (burning) orlaser. This accomplishes the same thing as the plugs, but it is very difficult, if not impossible, to reverse.
• If you have difficulty closing your eyes for any reason, your eye may dry out because of tear evaporation. 
  • Lateral tarsorrhaphy is a procedure during which the lateral (outside) one-third of your eyelids are sewn together to decrease the ability of your eye to open widely and to help your eye close more easily. 
  • If stroke or nerve damage keeps your eyelids from closing properly, a small gold weight may be implanted into your upper eyelid to help it close.