Why are my eyes so DRY?!

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This is a very common question that is heard by optometrists all across Alberta, especially during the winter season when furnaces blow dry air and the cold sucks all the moisture from the air. 

 

We live in a desert environment which only makes our dry eyes even drier.

We live in a desert environment which only makes our dry eyes even drier.

However, some people are more at risk for dry eye than others.  If dry eyes are not addressed in the early stages it may lead to generalized discomfort, intolerance to contact lenses, delayed healing time from ocular surgeries, and can lead to reduced vision and cause corneal scarring.

Patients at increased risk for dry eyes include contact lens wearers, computer users, diabetic patients, patients with allergies or asthma, patients taking medications such as hormone replacements or anti-depressants, post-surgery patients (including cataract surgery and LASIK), patients with arthritis or auto-immune diseases and even those who wear CPAP devices for sleep apnea.

Our optometrists can help you diagnose and manage dry eyes by assessing your tear film and eyelid margins including your tear glands.  We can recommend which type of eye drop would be most effective for you and ways to improve tear flow using warm compresses and vitamin supplements.  We can even recommend a prescription drop, Restasis, which can aid greatly in improving your symptoms.

Don't suffer alone in silence, we can help you manage your burning, itchy, water and uncomfortable eyes!

Dry or Watery Winter Eyes

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In the cold and wind your tears can often evaporate and cause symptoms of dry eyes.  The lacrimal gland then produces reflex tearing - an increase in tear production intended to wash out dust or irritants (ie: cold and wind).  
 
A pre-existing dry eye problem is often made worse in the cold or wind - this will cause the eyes to water excessively because instead of staying on the eye the extra tears spill out onto the cheeks.  Treatment is often the use of an artificial tear drop such as Systane Balance which can help to stabilize the tear film. You can find artificial tear drops at a drug store (no prescription needed).

Systane Balance Lubricating Eye drops

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Alcon Canada has recently released that Canadians will now have access to their newest formulated dry eye lubricating drop. Beginning after June 15, 2011 Systane Balance will be available for patients with dry eye syndrome secondary to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a common cause of dry eye.

If you’re interested in being one of the first people in Sherwood Park to try Systane Balance on your dry eyes then book an eye exam with one of the optometrists at eye-bar. Patients with dry eyes secondary to meibomian gland dysfunction will be given a FREE retail sized bottle of Systane Balance eye drops (while supplies last) to use. Patients will then be asked to complete a short questionnaire on product satisfaction and symptom relief.

At eye-bar optometry we believe that you should not have to suffer from your dry eyes. Book an eye exam or dry eye consultation with one of our optometrists.

image via: Alcon Canada

eye-bar optometry – eye exams, contact lenses, emergency visits & ophthalmology referrals - Sherwood Park