Dry Eye Treatment
Dry Eye Treatment in Costa Mesa
Our optometry center in Costa Mesa provides dry eye treatment to the nearby areas of Newport Beach, Orange County, Corona del Mar, Irvine, and Huntington Beach.
What is dry eye?
Dry eye occurs when the eye does not produce tears properly, or when the tears are not of the correct consistency and evaporate too quickly.
In addition, inflammation of the surface of the eye may occur along with dry eye. If left untreated, this condition can lead to pain, ulcers, or scars on the cornea, and some loss of vision. However, permanent loss of vision from dry eye is uncommon.
Dry eye can make it more difficult to perform some activities, such as using a computer or reading for an extended period of time, and it can decrease tolerance for dry environments, such as the air inside an airplane.
Other names for dry eye include dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dysfunctional tear syndrome, lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis, evaporative tear deficiency, aqueous tear deficiency, and LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy (LNE).
What are the types of dry eye?
1) Aqueous tear-deficient dry eye is a disorder in which the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough of the watery component of tears to maintain a healthy eye surface.
2) Evaporative dry eye may result from inflammation of the meibomian glands, also located in the eyelids. These glands make the lipid or oily part of tears that slows evaporation and keeps the tears stable.
Dry eye can be associated with:
* inflammation of the surface of the eye, the lacrimal gland, or the conjunctiva;
* any disease process that alters the components of the tears;
* an increase in the surface of the eye, as in thyroid disease when the eye protrudes forward;
* cosmetic surgery, if the eyelids are opened too widely.
What are tears, and how do they relate to dry eye?
Tears, made by the lacrimal gland, are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Tears bathe the surface of the eye, keeping it moist, and wash away dust and debris. They also help protect the eye from bacterial and other types of infections.
Tears are composed of three major components: a) outer, oily, lipid layer produced by the meibomian glands; b) middle, watery, lacrimal layer produced by the lacrimal glands; and c) inner, mucous or mucin layer produced by goblet cells located within a thin transparent layer over the white part of the eye and covering the inner surface of the eyelids. Tears are made of proteins (including growth factors), electrolytes, and vitamins that are critical to maintain the health of the eye surface and to prevent infection.
Tears are constantly produced to bathe, nourish, and protect the eye surface. They are also produced in response to emergencies, such as a particle of dust in the eye, an infection or irritation of the eye, or an onset of strong emotions. When the lacrimal glands fail to produce sufficient tears, dry eye can result.
Any disease process that alters the components of tears can make them unhealthy and result in dry eye.
What are the symptoms of dry eye?
Dry eye symptoms may include any of the following:
* stinging or burning of the eye;
* a sandy or gritty feeling as if something is in the eye;
* episodes of excess tears following very dry eye periods;
* a stringy discharge from the eye;
* pain and redness of the eye;
* episodes of blurred vision;
* heavy eyelids;
* inability to cry when emotionally stressed;
* uncomfortable contact lenses;
* decreased tolerance of reading, working on the computer, or any activity that requires sustained visual attention;
* eye fatigue.
What are the causes of dry eye?
Dry eye can be a temporary or chronic condition: Dry eye can be a side effect of some medications, including antihistamines, nasal decongestants, tranquilizers, certain blood pressure medicines, Parkinson's medications, birth control pills and anti-depressants.
Skin disease on or around the eyelids can result in dry eye.
Diseases of the glands in the eyelids, such as meibomian gland dysfunction, can cause dry eye.
Dry eye can occur in women who are pregnant.
Women who are on hormone replacement therapy may experience dry eye symptoms. Women taking only estrogen are 70 percent more likely to experience dry eye, whereas those taking estrogen and progesterone have a 30 percent increased risk of developing dry eye.
Dry eye can also develop after the refractive surgery known as LASIK. These symptoms generally last three to six months, but may last longer in some cases.
Dry eye can result from chemical and thermal burns that scar the membrane lining the eyelids and covering the eye.
Allergies can be associated with dry eye.
Infrequent blinking, associated with staring at computer or video screens, may also lead to dry eye symptoms.
Both excessive and insufficient dosages of vitamins can contribute to dry eye.
Homeopathic remedies may have an adverse impact on a dry eye condition.
Loss of sensation in the cornea from long-term contact lens wear can lead to dry eye.
Dry eye can be associated with immune system disorders such as Sj
