Dry Eye Syndrome

A common and often chronic condition in older adults

WHAT IS DRY EYE?

Dry eye is a condition in which a person cannot produce enough tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. Tears are necessary for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. The eye uses tears to remain moist to sustain health and comfort. However, some people don’t produce enough tears to maintain healthy eyes. This condition is called dry eye syndrome.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DRY EYE?

The usual symptoms of dry eye include:

  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Scratchiness
  • Stringy mucus
  • Excessive irritation from smoke and wind
  • Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
  • Watering eyes

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN TEAR PRODUCTION AND DRAINAGE ARE NOT IN BALANCE?

Watering eyes from dry eye may sound illogical, but tears are also the eye’s response to discomfort. If the tears responsible for maintaining lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated, which prompts the gland that makes tears to release a large volume of tears, overwhelming the tear drainage system. These excess tears then overflow from the eye.

HOW IS DRY EYE SYNDROME DETECTED?

An eye doctor is usually able to diagnose dry eye by examining the eyes. Tear production normally decreases as we age. Although dry eye can occur in both men and women at any age, women are most often affected, especially after menopause. To detect dry eye syndrome, LipiScan® imaging™ is used to scan the tear drainage system and make high-definition images for an enhance view of the glands. 

Click here to learn about Dry Eye Treatments like LipiFlow®.

If you are suffering from dry eyes, contact the physicians at Florida Eye Associates at 321-727-2020.

Click on the image below to watch a video about dry eye syndrome.

WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP?

What is the first step?

Contact Florida Eye Associates at 321-727-2020 to schedule an eye examination at one of our convenient offices throughout Brevard.

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