Dry Eye: It Should Be Treated
By Jeffrey B. Minkovitz, M.D.
Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions. It is not only bothersome, but it can cause significant damage if left untreated. Proper diagnosis can also lead to discovery and treatment of other related conditions in the body. Simply defined, dry eye is a condition in which one’s natural tears do not adequately lubricate the eyes to keep them comfortable and healthy. Symptoms may include stinging, burning or scratchy feeling, as well as light sensitivity, blurring and eye fatigue. Ironically, dry eye induced irritation may also cause excessive compensatory tearing.
Dry eyes may be caused by either insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation. Diminished tear production (aqueous deficiency) is commonly caused by aging, more common over 50, hormonal changes, especially in women, drugs such as antihistamines and certain blood pressure medications, medical conditions including rheumatoid arthritis and sjogrens syndrome, and occasionally trauma or laser vision correction (especially when done with LASIK flaps – one reason I have transitioned to laser vision correction WITHOUT FLAPS). Excessive tear evaporation may be environmental (dry heat in the winter, or air blowing directly on the eye), behavioral/structural (poor blinking due to lid abnormalities, sleeping with eyes slightly open, or failing to blink while concentrating for long periods of time reading or in computer work) or due to an imbalance in the tear composition. The normal tear film has three important layers (watery, oily and mucus). Correct balance is required to ensure adequate wetting, good tear spread, and slower evaporation from the surface of the eye.
In addition to discomfort, dry eye can cause blurry vision, infection, abrasions, inflammation (which causes further damage), and scarring of the surface (which can lead to permanent vision loss). Dry eyes can also complicate planned ocular surgeries performed for other reasons, such as cataract and refractive surgery.
Testing for dry eye is important not only to properly diagnose and guide treatment, but also to identify possible systemic diseases (diseases in the body) which may be associated. These conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, sjogrens syndrome, and other autoimmune and collagen vascular diseases such as lupus. Evaluation includes a careful patient history, examination of the ocular surface (with special dyes testing for damaged surface cells), and if indicated a measurement of tear volume and production. Recently, several new tests have been developed including tear osmolarity and measurements for inflammatory markers associated with dry eye. These tests may further assist in directing treatment.
Treatment options include environmental and behavioral changes (humidifiers, avoiding wind or direct exposure, taking breaks from extended periods of reading/computer work, smoking cessation), instilling artificial tears (choices dictated by disease severity and type (aqueous deficient or evaporative), plugging tear ducts (to keep tears in contact with the eye longer), anti-inflammatory medication (steroid drops or Restasis), omega 3 fatty acid pills and diet, special therapeutic contact lenses, and several other less common options for severely affected patients.
Although often overlooked or disregarded when compared to “more serious” ocular conditions such as cataract, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinal disease, dry eye is one of the most common ocular diseases and can profoundly affect ocular comfort and visual performance. Regular examinations are a valuable way to screen for this and other conditions. For further information or to schedule an appointment please call 302-652-3353 or visit www.eyephysicians.com.
Bio
Dr. Jeffrey Minkovitz specializes in corneal, cataract, and refractive surgery. A partner at Eye Physicians and Surgeons, P.A. since 1996, he is also on the staff of Christiana Care and the Center for Advanced Surgical Arts, where he serves on the medical advisory board. After graduating magna cum laude from Harvard University, he received his medical degree from the University of Massachusetts Medical School. He was also named Top Doc in ophthalmology by Delaware Today Magazine for six consecutive years.
Dr. Minkovitz is known for numerous Delaware “firsts,” including PRK laser vision correction, NearVision CK, and newer, less invasive techniques for corneal transplantation including DSEAK, DMEK and DALK. Together with his Center for Advanced Surgical Arts partner and co-founder, Dr. Minkovitz introduced laser cataract surgery to Wilmington, Delaware in 2012. In 2016, he founded Laser Vision Delaware, LLC, once again raising the bar and bringing a newer, faster and more accurate refractive laser to Delaware.
Ophthalmology piqued his interest early on in medical school, as the specialty offers an appealing combination of surgical and medical care, advanced technology, and in particular the joy of being able to impact lives through restoring and enhancing vision. Dr. Minkovitz also enjoys the ability to follow and really get to know his large cohort of patients.
