What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Your tears function to protect the eyes and keep them lubricated and comfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is the decline of the quantity and/or quality of the tears produced. It is caused when the tear glands in the upper and lower eyelids do not produce enough tears, or they don’t produce the right kind of tears. This phenomenon causes the eyes to feel irritated, scratchy, burning, red, and uncomfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome is the most common of all eye disorders, affecting approximately 20% of our population. Instilling artificial tears is the most common way of helping dry eye symptoms

The Complexity of Tears

Your eyes are moistened by two different types of tears: lubricating tears and reflex tears. Lubricating tears are produced continuously to moisturize the eye and contain natural infection-fighting antibiotics. Reflex tears are produced in response to sudden irritation (smoke, onions, foreign particles), injury, or emotion. Ironically, the irritation from dry eyes can trigger reflex tears, which flood the eye. But because reflex tears do not have the proper lubricating composition, the discomfort persists. Thus, “watery eyes” can actually be a symptom of DES.

As a dry eye remains untreated, it can lead to inflammation of the ocular surface. This in turn aggravates dry eye and a vicious cycle ensues. Additionally, many conditions such as arthritis or other collagen vascular diseases or autoimmune disease, can create inflammation in the eye that leads to dry eye. Controlling inflammation can be an extremely important aspect of managing DES. At Armesto Eye Associates, we work with your other doctors to help identify the problems and solutions that are most appropriate for you.