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Dry Eye

  • Introduction
  • Anatomy
  • Causes
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatment
  • Complications
  • Advancements

Introduction

Dry eyes are a common condition.  Dry eyes occur when your eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them moist.  This may happen under certain circumstances, such as from side effects of some medications or being in a dry environment.  Dry eyes may itch, burn, or sting.  They can be relieved with frequent blinking, rest, or Artificial Tears, a type of eye drop.
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Anatomy

Your eyelids cover and protect your eyes.  Your eyelids keep your eye moist and clean each time you blink.  Your eyelashes keep dirt and particles from touching your eye.  The lacrimal glands produce fluid (tears) to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. 
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Causes

Dry eyes occur when you do not produce enough tears or your tears are not normal.  Aging and cold or allergy medications commonly cause dry eyes.  Sun exposure, smoke, dry air, air-conditioned rooms, and windy environments can contribute to dry eye.  Certain medical conditions, eye injuries, or eyelid disorders can cause dry eyes.  Often patients will say they are tearing a lot and will be told they have dry eyes.  This is the most common complaint and is due to the tear film being abnormal and not wetting the eye.  The lacrimal gland tries to compensate by producing more tears.  Artificial Tears replace the missing part of the tear film.  A tear duct in the lid may get blocked and cause tearing as the tears cannot leave the eye and instead flood over the lid like water over a dam.  Blocked tear ducts can be caused by infection and need to be evaluated by your physician.
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Symptoms

Dry eyes may cause your eyes to itch, burn, or sting.  Your eyes may feel strained or tired after reading for only short periods.  You may have excess tearing.  Your contact lenses may feel uncomfortable.  In very severe cases, eye surface abrasions may occur.  However, dry eye most frequently only causes discomfort and not vision loss.  In patients with a blocked tear duct, the duct can get infected causing redness, swelling, and tenderness over the infected area.
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Diagnosis

You should call your doctor if your eyes do not respond to self-care treatments or if you experience eye discharge, pain, or lesions.  You should call your doctor if you receive an eye injury or if joint pain, swelling, and stiffness accompany your symptoms.  Your doctor will review your medical and optical history and perform a thorough eye examination.  A simple tearing test may be used to help your doctor diagnose dry eyes.  Additional tests may be performed to rule out other conditions.
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Treatment

Self-care measures can relieve the symptoms of dry eyes.  It may be helpful to blink your eyes more frequently and close your eyes often to rest them.  It may be helpful to avoid smoke, dry air, direct wind, air conditioning, and prolonged sun exposure.  A humidifier may help, especially in the winter months.  Over-the-counter artificial tears or ointments may be used to add moisture to your eyes.  Your doctor may also prescribe artificial tears.  In patients with blocked tear ducts, the duct will be probed to see if it can be opened.  Imaging can be done with a dye injected into the tear duct to see the blockage.  In some cases, surgery is needed to create a new tear duct.
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Complications

Severe dry eyes can lead to damage to the cornea which can cause significant visual impairment.

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Advancements

For the patient with severe dry eyes, a drug called Cyclosporin is available.  This drug is a member of the anti-inflammatory drugs and must be prescribed by a physician.  It takes several months for this drug to be effective.

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Copyright ©  - iHealthSpot Interactive - www.iHealthSpot.com

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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Dr Latt and his staff are AMAZING. Dr Latt takes his time to listen to you and explain everything In detail! The lobby looks amazing, made my heart feel the Spirit of Christmas. My mom was diagnosed with liver failure on Christmas Day and passed 10 days later, 2 years ago and I have really struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas since then. The minute I opened the door and walked into the building pure joy flooded my soul. Thanks to the Staff at Palm Medical for the Amazing Holiday Scene May God Bless you and your families always.

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5 Stars Review

Dr Latt and his staff are AMAZING. Dr Latt takes his time to listen to you and explain everything In detail! The lobby looks amazing, made my heart feel the Spirit of Christmas. My mom was diagnosed with liver failure on Christmas Day and passed 10 days later, 2 years ago and I have really struggled to feel the spirit of Christmas since then. The minute I opened the door and walked into the building pure joy flooded my soul. Thanks to the Staff at Palm Medical for the Amazing Holiday Scene May God Bless you and your families always.

Mrs. Asher

5 Stars Review

Highly recommend Lou Ann Albano! She is very compassionate, friendly, skillful, attentive, provides excellent care and really listens to you. You are in great hands!

Deanne S.

5 Stars Review

I just wish I could quit forgetting my blood work appointment, but other than that everything is fine. I have been getting great care from Dr. Renan and the office staff is excellent.

Jennifer D.

5 Stars Review

The staff greets me with a smile and by name. There's never a long wait, and Dr. Min is the PC that I have ever had. 15 yrs and counting!

Rose R.

5 Stars Review

I am very happy to be a Patient at Dr Aristides Martinez Office, my appointment yesterday with Andrea was far above expected, she dedicated about one hour to talk with me about all my pains and my concerns. It was like if I would've been with a Psychologist, I came out of her office with all my questions answered and sure that I am in very good hands. I thanks God that I started coming to this Clinic.

Susana Tudda

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I love Ms. Patel and the girls in the office. I rarely have to wait long. I have been going to this office since it was JayCare in 2015. I have never had a problem with any of the doctors or PAs that I have seen. Ms. Patel actually takes time with me and listens to my concerns. I already recommend her to everyone I know.

Kayleigh Ray

5 Stars Review

Since moving to Florida three years ago I’ve seen many doctors and just didn’t have a good feeling. Once I walked into Dr Shah’s office from the front desk staff to the doctor himself was a wonderful experience. You are always given their undivided attention and Dr. Shah is Very thorough in his exams. I give 5 stars to this office

Annette Gambino

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Dr Fundora is absolutely incredible, very knowledgeable and caring and her entire staff is amazing too, highly recommended. The receptionists and even the security guards are extremely helpful and friendly, they always remember me when I come in and they’ve all always gone above and beyond to make each experience as easy and stress free as possible.

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We love and trust Dr Cruz. Also their staff is wonderful they’re always happy & have a smile when you go in so it makes you feel better when you’re not feeling so good. I would highly recommend them to everyone and as a matter fact when I changed my insurance this year I made sure he was on the list. Sincerely, A happy patient

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