W e spoke to optometrist Dr. Catherine Arsenault recently about dry eye, an issue that affects many people.
20 feet away for 20 seconds after 20 minutes of near concentration tasks. Blinking more frequently and using daily hot compresses over the eyelids often help relieve symptoms. Diet can be a contributor as well. Drink more water and add foods rich in Vitamin A (carrots, cantaloupe, red pepper, squash, sweet potato, spinach, broccoli and liver) and Omega-3s (fish, walnuts, vegetable oil and flaxseed oil). The use of artificial tears or lubricants is also recommended for patients with symptoms. In more severe cases, lubricant gels and ointments are required. Occasionally, punctal plugs to limit or slow drainage of tears are inserted in the tear ducts. We also have prescription eye drops in more serious cases.
We can see reduced tear production with ageing or allergies, as well as in some medical conditions and medications. Corneal nerve desensitivity caused by contact lens use, nerve damage or laser refractive surgery can also be a factor. Additionally, increased tearfilm evaporation may be caused by factors such as blepharitis (clogged eyelid glands), reduced blinking during concentration tasks such as driving and excessive screen time. Allergies again, Vitamin A deficiency, preservatives in eye drops and exposure to certain environmental conditions like wind, smoke and dry air can all lead to dry eye disease.
PEI Living: What is dry eye?
Dr. Catherine Arsenault: Dry eye is a condition that occurs when tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. Tears are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or you produce poor quality tears without the proper chemical composition. This tear instability can lead to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface if not managed properly.
PL: How is dry eye treated or prevented?
PL: Can it lead to ophthalmological issues if left untreated?
PL: What are the symptoms?
CA: With dry eye syndrome, the goal is to improve the patient’s comfort with lifestyle changes and drops. I would also suggest that dry eye sufferers avoid situations most likely to cause symptoms by turning hair dryers, car heaters, fans and air conditioners away from the face. Stay away from smoky environments and wear protective eyewear (safety shields) or wraparound sunglasses to block wind and dry air. Add moisture to the air with a humidifier (especially in winter). Position computer screens below eye level to limit ocular surface exposure and slow tearfilm evaporation. Remember to take frequent breaks with concentration tasks such as reading or extended computer use.
CA: A good tearfilm is required to protect the surface of the eye. With severe dry eye, there is an increase in risk of infection due to damage to the surface of the eye. Severe dry eye can damage the tissues on the front surface of the eye, which can lead to corneal abrasions, as well as possible ulcers and scarring, which can cause vision loss. Dry eye disease often can reduce a person’s quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
CA: Individuals complain of stinging, burning or itchy, dry eyes. They have a gritty, scratchy, foreign body sensation. The eyes can get red as well as watery (as the body’s response to the irritation). There is often increased light sensitivity, eye fatigue and fluctuating vision (blur). Some complain of difficulty with night driving or contact lens usage.
PL: What are the causes?
CA: There are three layers to the tearfilm, which keeps the surface of the eye lubricated, smooth and clear. Problems with any of these layers can lead to dry eye syndrome through either reduced tear production or increased tear evaporation.
Dr. Catherine Arsenault Family Vision Centre 111 Pownal St, Charlottetown 902.566.4418 www.familyvisioncentre.com
A simple rule we like to recommend to our patients is the 20/20/20 rule. Look
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