CSI Dry Eye

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Tears do not just play a role in crying. They also provide essential moisture to keep your eyes lubricated for clear vision and comfort. Tears contain water, oils, mucus, antibodies and proteins from glands around your eye. That is, when everything is working as it should.

Dry eye symptoms include a gritty feeling, itching, redness, blurriness, light sensitivity and the feeling that you have something stuck in your eye. At other times, a dry eye condition can even cause reflex tearing, making your tears flood but not properly coat your eye’s surface as they should. Learn more about what causes dry eye from the experts at CSI Dry Eye and some of the treatment options, below.

Why does it happen?

Dry eyes are often caused by an imbalance in your tear-flow. Other causes include:

Heating, cooling and ventilation system problems
Aging processes, such as menopause
Side effects of antihistamines and other drugs
Tear reduction diseases like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and collagen vascular diseases
Improperly functioning eyelids

What causes dry eyes?

Treatment for your condition depends on your dry eye symptoms and doctor’s advice. Some of these options include:

Artificial Tear Drops and Ointments

Artificial tear drops are the most popular treatment option. These drops are available over-the-counter and require a little trial-and-error to find the one that works best for you. Because these drops do not work for a long period of time, you will typically need to use them throughout your day, even when your eyes do not feel dry. For dryness in your eyes while you sleep, use an ointment.

Temporary Punctal Occlusion

Punctal occlusion is a temporary closing of the punctum, the tear drainage duct of your eye. By using a removable silicone plug or one that dissolves over time, your doctor prevents the tear drainage. This enables your eyes to benefit from your natural fluids for a longer period of time, keeping your eyes moist.

Punctal Occlusion by Cautery

If temporary or removable plugs work well for your dry eye symptom relief, your eye doctor may choose to provide longer lasting results through punctal occlusion by cautery. This is a closure of the punctum through cauterization, much like closure of a surgical wound.

Lifitegrast

Another prescription medication, lifitegrast is an eye drop fluid you use twice each day for improved tearing.

Steroid Eye Drops

Steroid eye drops are another medication commonly prescribed for dry eye condition. These are used as a short term solution along with other treatment methods.

Dietary Changes

Adding Omega-3 or fish oil to your diet can also improve your natural tear production.

Lipiflow

Lipiflow is a medical device that applies heat and pressure to your eyelids, thereby unclogging oil glands. This oil is necessary for keeping your tears from evaporating on your eye.

Testosterone Cream

Testosterone deficiency in your eyelid oil glands can also cause dry eye. Applying a testosterone cream enables the oil glands to return to normal functioning. You simply apply the cream to your eyelids as directed.

Cyclosporine

Cyclosporine is a prescription eye drop also called Restasis or Cequa. For chronically dry eyes, these eye drops boost tear production to maintain lubrication.

No single medication or treatment method is a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone with dry eyes. You need to visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist to first learn what is causing your dry eyes. Through an examination and proper diagnosis, you can more effectively find a solution to your condition.

Get The Treatment You Deserve Contact CSI Dry Eyes

Email CSI Dry Eyes at [email protected]. For more information, visit their website at www.csidryeye.com.