Dry Eye

The technical name for dry eye is Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. It is an eye disease caused by decreased tear production or increased tear film evaporation commonly found in humans and some animals.

Aging is one of the most common causes of dry eyes. This is because tear production decreases with age and dry eye is usually due to inadequate tear production.

The main symptom of dry eyes is usually a scratchy or sandy feeling that something is in the eyes.

Other symptoms may include:

- Stinging, burning and itching of the eyes.

- Episodes of excess tearing that follow periods of very dry sensations.

- A stringy discharge from the eyes.

- Heaviness of the eyelids.

- Pain and redness of the eyes.

- Blurred, changing or decreased vision. Loss of vision usually is not severe.

A recent Harvard study identified an interesting new advantage for those who consume high amounts of foods rich in omega-3 fats:

Women who ate the most lowered their chances of dry eye syndrome by as much as 68 percent. Conversely, those who ate a higher ratio of omega-6 fats versus omega-3 fats doubled their odds of dry eye syndrome.

The study, which was conducted on more than 32,000 women aged 45-84, demonstrated the validity of both clinical observations on the subject and theorized biological mechanisms. Omega-3 fatty acid intake reduces overall inflammation in the body, which has been shown to be a factor in dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome is one of the most frequent eye problems in the United States, and a common complaint of patients seeking eye care. It is usually caused by a problem with the quality of the tear film that lubricates the eyes.

Conventional treatment options may include surgical intervention (punctal plugs inserted into tear ducts) or eye medicines. Often, these treatments provide only temporary or incomplete relief.

Dry eye syndrome can lead to discomfort, poor vision, and problems with reading, using a computer, or driving at night.