How Dry I Am!

Dr. Jay Pepose, M.D., Ph.D

Do you know someone who has gritty, sandy, irritated eyes, with fluctuating vision that gets worse as the day goes on? He or she may be suffering from dry eyes - one of the most prevalent ocular conditions.

Dry eyes are ten times more common in women than men, and are more common following the onset of menopause. The condition can be made worse by taking hormone replacement therapy, as it is the male rather than female hormones that support tear production by the lacrimal gland above the upper lid. Patients with both dry eye and dry mouth may have a very severe form called Siogren’s syndrome. Dry eye also can be exacerbated by common medications, such as diuretics, antihistamines and anti-depressants.

At Pepose Vision Institute, we are involved in clinical research to better diagnose dry eye syndromes and monitor treatment. This includes evaluating new devices that measure the lipid layer of the tears and the tear osmolarity. The first step towards relief is always the correct diagnosis, as dry eye can mimic allergies or other conditions that can be easily missed.If you suffer from dry eyes, what can be done? There are three therapy options. The first is to use artificial tear supplements and night time gels. There are differences in artificial tears, in terms of their thickness, viscosity and components, so do not give up if you have tried only one product. The second option is a prescription drop called Restasis that actually increases tear production. It also has an anti-inflammatory effect, which can be supplemented with short-term use of other topical medications.

One of the most immediate and effective treatments for dry eye is the one least utilized. This third option is punctal plugs which are microscopic (about the size of the tip of a pen) and are molded to exactly fit into the tiny holes in the lids that drain away tears. The tears go down these four ducts, one in each lid, into the bony tissue and then to the back of your throat. We actually are drinking our tears all day long, which is why some people can taste their eye medicines! Punctal plugs can be painlessly placed during an office visit, using just numbing drops. You do not feel the plugs and there is no maintenance required. They work instantly, just like putting a stopper in the drain when the bathtub is filling.

If you have chronically red, irritated eyes with fluctuating vision, and feel eye strain by the end of the day, please consider making an appointment to have an evaluation for dry eyes. There is no reason for you to suffer when treatment is at hand!

Dr. Jay S. Pepose, M.D., Ph.D.
www.peposevision.com
636.728.0111

Advertisement