Treating dry eye syndrome

Baltimore, MD - Dry Eye Syndrome affects nearly 80 million Americans each year. It occurs when your tears are not sufficient to keep the front surface of the eye, your cornea, well lubricated.

The cornea needs constant lubrication by tears to stay healthy. Tears are made up of three components: an outer layer of oil, a middle layer of water and an inner layer of mucus.

If the eye does not produce enough tears, or if the composition of your tears is not balanced, your eyes will not be properly lubricated.

Dr. Richard Adler, Opthhalmologist with the Katzen Eye Group was a guest on Good Morning Maryland and share with viewers the following information regarding dry eye issues:
 

What are the symptoms associated with Dry Eye Syndrome:

-Stinging and Itching
-Excess tearing
-Burning sensation
-inflammation and redness
-Sandy/gritty feeling
-Sensitivity to light

What are the causes of Dry Eye Syndrome:

-Decreased tear production
-Excessive tear evaporation
-Abnormality in the production of mucus or lipids normally found in the tear layer

What are the treatment options available for Dry Eye Syndrome:

Dry Eye Syndrome is generally not cured, but it can be managed.

- The most common approach to relieving dry eye is with the use of artificial tears to lubricate the cornea.
- There are many over-the-counter solutions and ointments designed to replenish natural tears.
- Artificial tears only offer temporary symptom relief and do not address the underlying problem, which often is inflammation. Now there is an FDA approved prescription eye drop called Restasis designed to decrease inflammation, thereby helping to make tears that are more efficient in lubricating the eye.

Finally, there is a new breakthrough option that treats dry eye through the delivery of intense pulsed light to the skin around the eye. The Katzen Eye Group is the only eye care practice in the mid-Atlantic offering this treatment.

Watch the entire interview segment with Dr. Adler to get additional information. Click on the video link attached