Learn More About Dry Eye

Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry Eye Syndrome is a very common eye irritation categorized by several symptoms including: Dryness of the eye, scratchiness, eye irritation from smoke and wind, difficulty wearing contact lenses, excess tearing.

If some of these symptoms sound familiar, don't worry. You are not alone. It is estimated that approximately 1 out of every 5 Americans suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome.

What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are many factors that lead to Dry Eye Syndrome. One of the most common factors is simply aging. Tear production normally decreases as we age, however Dry Eye can occur at any age.

Other factors that contribute to Dry Eye include environmental factors as well as the use of certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. Dry climate, cigarette smoke, wind, and heating and air conditioning can definitely have an effect on your eyes. Among some of the drugs that can cause Dry Eye are antihistamines, beta-blockers, diuretics, pain relievers, and sleeping pills. If you feel like you may be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome, it is important to let your doctor know which medications you are currently taking.

How Do I Know for Sure Whether or Not I Have Dry Eye Syndrome?
As always, the only way to know for sure whether or not you may be suffering from "dry eyes" is to see your eye care professional. There are ways to check if you may be at an increased risk for Dry Eye Syndrome.

What are Some Common Ways to Treat Dry Eye Syndrome?
Adding Tears: One way that the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome can be alleviated is by using artificial tears, or "eye-drops". These artificial tears are similar to natural tears and help lubricate and maintain moisture in the eyes. Artificial tears are available without a prescription.

Conserving Natural Tears: Another method your doctor may use to help your Dry Eye problem is to try to conserve your natural tears. Your doctor may temporarily or permanently close or ‘plug’ your ‘tear ducts’ to accomplish this method. Your tear ducts, also known as the punctums, are small channels or drains that connect from your eyelids to your nose in which excess tears are meant to drain through (that's why your nose runs when you cry). Doctors can plug the punctums, keeping the tears from draining out and helping them stay on the eye, where they are needed, therefore conserving tears naturally.

Prescription Drugs: Currently, there is only one prescription drug available that actually provides an increase in tear production. That drug is Restasis^® (cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05%) marketed by Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Specific information about Restasis^® can be found at www.restasis.com. *

Aging Eye (www.agingeye.net) notes: “Published reports about cyclosporine suggest that it acts by reducing inflammatory cells like activated lymphocytes in the conjunctiva (Archives of Ophthalmology 2000; 118:1489-96) as well as by other means such as by increasing the number of mucin secreting goblet cells (Archives of Ophthalmology 2002; 120:330-7). Restasis^® action thus seems to be to reduce inflammation. However, when patients are already taking other anti-inflammatory eye drops then the beneficial effect of Restasis^® on tear production is not seen."

It is interesting to note that for most Dry Eye patients, concomitant therapy, that is the use and employment of more than one therapy (drug + lubricant; drug + nutritional; lubricant + nutritional, etc.) works best. An independent study nearing completion seeks to demonstrate the benefits of Tears Again® HYDRATE™ in combination with Restasis^® . Upon completion, that study in its entirety will be posted on this website.

*Restasis^® is a registered trademark of Allergan Inc. Allergan Inc. has neither read nor approved any of the general information reported herein and has specifically made no claim or assertions related to Restasis^® in particular. Further, Allergan Inc. has no knowledge of any study involving its Restasis^® nor is the Company participating or advocating such a study. For more information on Restasis^®, consult Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Irvine, CA or their websites: www.allergan.com or www.restasis.com.

Nutrition & The Eyes: Dry eye is a collection of symptoms that stem from an imbalance in the quantity or quality of tears. Reports suggest that the imbalance in the tear film layers may be attributed to poor dietary nutrition leading to inflammation of the ocular surface. Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) can be broken down but cannot be produced by the body. EFAs are therefore “essential” as a dietary requirement. The primary EFAs that relieve Dry Eye are omega-3 and omega-6. Intake of these EFAs must be either dietary or supplemental.

The typical American diet is low in omega-3 fatty acids and rich in transfat vegetable oils leading to inflammation of the ocular surface (Dry Eye). As we age the enzymes required to properly break down these EFAs into anti-inflammatory properties are greatly diminished and in some cases don’t work at all.

There are two types of omega-6 fatty acids: healthy and unhealthy. Unhealthy Omega-6 EFAs are consumed in polyunsaturated vegetable oil as linoleic acid (LA) promoting inflammation. Americans typically consume too much of this unhealthy omega-6 in fast food and processed foods like crackers and chips. Healthy omega-6 EFAs that contain gamma linolenic acid (GLA) metabolize properly actually reducing and blocking inflammation. Only this type of omega-6 produces a tear specific anti-inflammatory prostaglandin that relieves dry eye syndrome. Intake of omega-3 EFA alone will not produce this tear specific prostaglandin required for increased production of tears. Tears Again^® HYDRATE^™ is formulated to contain the omega-3 fatty acid, Flaxseed Oil, but has also included Evening Primrose Oil (EPO), a substance having exceptionally high content of the even rarer essential fatty acid, gamma linolenic acid (omega-6) providing a tear specific anti-inflammatory prostaglandin and other anti-inflammatory prostaglandins that relieve dry eye syndrome.

Although we may change our diet for optimum intake of EFAs, it is difficult to determine the level of EFA intake daily. Many patients have tried nutritional supplements but there is a risk of improper usage and the side effects caused therein. It is recommended that these specific EFAs be used under the supervision of a physician. Tears Again^® HYDRATE^™ has demonstrated to be an effective complement with various treatment regimens. Interestingly, most Dry Eye patients tend to respond better with concomitant therapy, that is the use and employment of more than one therapy (drug + lubricant; drug + nutritional; lubricant + nutritional, etc.). Consult with your Eye Care Practitioner to determine if Tears Again^® HYDRATE^™ is right for you.

Also See: Blepharitis & Meibomian Gland Dysfunction