But the number of people affected by it has now reachednear-epidemic proportions among the general U.S. population.
Both types also cause inflammation and hyperosmolarity (a high concentration of salt).
Anatomy of a Tear
Tears consist of three layers: oil, water fluid, and mucous.
Distributed by blinking, this oily mixture seals tears to slow evaporation.
The amount of liquid absorbed into the paper is then measured and compared against healthy output.
The lid margins may also be examined for signs of inflammation found inblepharitis, a chronic inflammatory condition.
The next challenge may be the toughest: determining what is causing the tears to fail.
DED: Causes and Treatments
In the past, treatment of DED was all about symptom relief.
Gently massaging the warmed lids helps expel the oil.
The routine needs to be repeated daily for people prone to blockages.
In OfficeDoctors can use handheld devices to apply heat to the lids to help dissolve clogs.
Over-the-CounterOTC artificial tears are widely available for uncomplicated DED.
Overuse can also be a problem.
Restasisaverages $730per prescription and may not be effective for every dry eye condition.
Tyrvaya may cause repeated sneezing and throat irritation when first used.
The cost ranges from roughly $200 to $600.
DIYWarm compresses can help promote healing.
Commercially available lid scrubs, which may use small amounts of tea tree oil, are also available.
PrescriptionPrescription antibiotic drops are available for certain types of blepharitis.
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS)
Computer vision syndrome is one of the newest contributors to DED.
I see a few patients every week with CVS who initially thought they weregoing blind.
PrescriptionTear-enhancing eye drops are often prescribed for these conditions.
Cholesterol-reducing statins led the list in a2020 study.
Eye drops that are preservative-free are recommended.
DIYHumidifiers used at the office or at home can diminish the damage wrought by dry air.
Insufficient levels of vitamins E and D may also contribute to drying.
Anti-inflammatory eating plans that emphasize high-quality fats and yellow, red, and orangeplant-basedfoods may help minimize dryness.
That can lead to contact lens intolerance and create a vicious cycle, says Pflugfelder.
These lenses dont impede oxygen delivery to the surface of the eye.
More expensive than garden-variety lenses, they usually enhance comfort while diminishing infection risk.
Daily disposable soft lenses also ensure that contacts are clean and ready to wear.
But scleral contact lenses may be the best option for those with truly compromised eyes.
The cost to fit and produce scleral lenses runs to $4,000 for a complicated case.
Still, the lenses can last for years and in some cases, insurance covers them.
Allergies
Anyone who has struggled with the discomfort of seasonal allergies knows their effect on the eyes.
With allergies, there is often intense itching and redness, generally experienced while outdoors.
But beware some anti-allergy eye drops.
The ultimate goal is to devise long-lasting, personalized natural tears that are affordable and easily produced.
What Do you should probably Know to Control It?
FDA Approves First Nasal Spray to Treat Dry Eye Disease
