By: Dr. Tessa Payne of Simon Eye Associates Pike Creek/Hockessin

hat is Dry Eye Syndrome? According to the NationalEye Institute, dry eye is defined as insufficient tear production or poor tear quality that could result in damage to the eye’s surface. Signs and symptoms of dry eye vary and include:

•  Burning
•  Sandy, gritty sensations.
•  Redness
•  Tearing
•  Irritation
•  Blurry vision
•  Fluctuating vision
•  Contact lens intolerance

How do you get Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome affects around 20 – 30 million Americans, with women being approximately twice as likely as men to develop dry eye symptoms. There are many factors that contribute to developing Dry Eye Syndrome:

•  Working or exposure to dry, drafty areas
•  Wind, dusty, or smoky environments
•  Prolonged computer use
•  Menopausal & post-menopausal women
•  Acne Rosacea
•  Pregnancy
•  Acne medications
•  Birth Control
•  Hormone Replacement Therapy
•  Antihistamines
•  Anti-Anxiety/Anti-Depression medications
•  Some sleep aides
•  Low water consumption
•  Excessive consumption of alcohol or caffeine
•  Low diet of Omega-3

I might have Dry Eye Syndrome, what do I do now?
Consulting your eye care specialist should be the first step in determining whether you have Dry Eye Syndrome. Your eye doctor will use a series of questions and tests to diagnose Dry Eye Syndrome, then decide the most appropriate course of action. Treatment options include:
•  Artificial tears
•  Omega-3 Fish Oil supplements
•  Eating foods rich in Omega-3 such as fish
•  Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day
•  Decrease caffeine and alcohol consumption
•  Rest
•  asis“ (Allergan): Acts to increase tear production
•  Lacrisert“ (Aton Pharma): Dissolvable implant that provides all day comfort without repeated insertion of artificial tears
•  Punctal plugs: Act to plug the tear drainage system to keep tears on your eyes longer