Dry Eye Syndrome: Ophthalmology - Baltimore and Washington D.C.

Dry eye syndrome, which results from insufficient production of natural
tears, is one of the most common ocular disorders treated by
ophthalmologists. It affects millions of Americans each year, especially post-menopausal women.

Tears play a vital role in the proper functioning of the eye. Comprised of mucus, water, and oil layers, tears deliver moisture and important nutrients to the cornea in order to maintain its health. When the tear duct does not produce enough lubricating tears, dry eye syndrome may develop. Dry eye syndrome may also develop as a result of excessively watery eyes that produce tears without the correct balance of mucus, water, and oil.

People who suffer from chronic dry eye should seek treatment from a qualified medical professional. If left untreated, this condition may damage the cornea, increase the threat of an infection, and eventually lead to the inability to produce natural tears. In the most acute cases, this condition can impair vision.

Fortunately, dry eye syndrome can be successfully treated. At our comprehensive ophthalmology practice, conveniently located near Baltimore and Washington D.C., we offer several different treatment options for dry eye syndrome.

One of the most common treatments for dry eye syndrome is therapy with artificial tears. Artificial tears temporarily alleviate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. However, habitual use of artificial tears can impair the eye’s natural ability to produce tears.

In addition to artificial tears, dry eye symptoms can be treated by:

• Wearing special eyewear
• Temporarily plugging the tear drain so that the eye may absorb all the nutrients and moisture from the tears before they exit the eye
• Undergoing laser eye surgery in order to permanently seal off the tear drain.

We also offer Restasis®, a breakthrough in dry eye syndrome treatment, at our ophthalmology practice, which is just a short drive from Baltimore and Washington D.C. Restasis® is the only FDA approved eye drop that actually increases the body’s capacity to create its own natural tears, which may be caused by inflammation of the eye’s surface. Restasis® eye drops are not artificial tears. Artificial tears only work to alleviate symptoms and lubricate eyes. Restasis® targets the root cause of chronic dry eye.

There is currently no cure for dry eye syndrome. However, the experienced physicians at our practice have had great success treating this condition and alleviating irritating symptoms. The staff at our ophthalmology practice, serving Baltimore, Washington D.C. and beyond, would be pleased to answer any questions you might have about available treatment options for dry eye. We invite you to contact us today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dry eye syndrome?

How do I know if I have chronic dry eye?

What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Can dry eye syndrome be successfully treated?

Dry Eye Syndrome

Our ophthalmologists are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome. We offer several treatment options that are designed to alleviate symptoms and increase natural tear production.

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the body does not produce adequate lubricating tears, leading to dryness, inflammation of the ocular surface, and impaired vision.

How do I know if I have chronic dry eye syndrome?

The physicians at our ophthalmology practice can perform several quick and painless tests in order to diagnose chronic dry eye. These tests assess visual clarity, dryness, natural tear production, and damage to the cornea.

What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:

• Burning or stinging
• Itching
• Redness
• Sensation of a foreign body being lodged in the eye, similar to the feeling of having sand in the eye
• Blurred vision that may improve with blinking
• Excessively watery eyes
• Increased irritation after reading, working on a computer, or watching television

Contact our ophthalmology practice near Baltimore and Washington D.C. to schedule an appointment with a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of dry eye syndrome.

What causes dry eye syndrome?

Several factors may contribute to the development of chronic dry eye syndrome:

• Environment: Sunny, dry, and windy weather may produce dry eye symptoms by increasing the evaporation of tears. High altitudes, air conditioners, and heaters may also increase evaporation.
• Excessive tear drainage: In addition to producing dry eye symptoms, excessive tear drainage may cause nose, throat, and sinus complications.
• Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses increases dryness of the eyes. Contact lens wearers may experience irritation, protein deposit on the lens, pain, sensitivity to contact lens solutions, and infection.
• Aging: Natural tear production diminishes with age.
• Medications: Certain medications can reduce natural tear production. Such medications include decongestants, oral contraceptives, diuretics, antihistamines, and tranquilizers.
• Health Problems: Certain health conditions, including arthritis, diabetes, autoimmune disease, asthma, and thyroid abnormalities, can cause dry eye syndrome. Women going through menopause also have an increased risk of experiencing dry eye symptoms.

Can dry eye syndrome be successfully treated?

Yes. Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common ocular disorders treated by ophthalmologists. While there is currently no cure for dry eye syndrome, there are many treatment options that alleviate irritating symptoms and increase tear production. These treatments include:

• Artificial tears and gels
• Placing temporary plugs in the tear drain in order to slow tear drainage
• Laser eye surgery to permanently seal off tear drain.
• Restasis® eye drops
• Wearing special eye wear such as goggles

Of all available treatments, Restasis® is the only treatment that actually works to increase natural tear production, which may be caused by inflammation of the eye’s surface.

If you suffer from chronic dry eye syndrome, it is important you seek treatment in order to prevent permanent damage to your ocular health or vision. The physicians at our ophthalmology practice, serving the Baltimore and Washington D.C. areas, have extensive experience successfully treating dry eye syndrome. Contact our practice to schedule an appointment today.