Dry eye is a disorder that is common in people above 40 years. If timely treatment is not given in the earlier stages of this disorder, it may lead to the condition of severe dry eyes. Read on to know the medication for severe dry eyes...
What is dry eye?
Dry eye is a result of improper functioning of lacrimal glands that generate tears. Our eyes are always covered by a tear film, which contains healthy fluids. Tears are made up of various fluids that include, water, proteins, fatty oils and anti-bacterial substances. All these fluids together work to keep the surface of eyes smooth and clear. It is not that tears are produced only when you cry, they are constantly generated in the eyes. However, their presence can be seen more prominently in situations like, irritation in eyes or emotional moments. Tears are important as they contribute to healthy eyes and clear vision. Any disorder that leads to decrease in any component of tears can cause dry eye. There are several reasons that can cause the reduced production of these tears, some of which are given below:
Natural aging process (Menopause in women).
Medication taken for blood pressure, depression.
Living in a dry and dusty climate.
Use of contact lenses for a prolonged period.
Eyelid diseases (Tears evaporate as the eyelids do not close completely).
Symptoms of dry eye
The symptoms of dry eye are given below:
Burning of eyes
Redness in eyes
Blurred vision
Itching in the eye
Light sensitivity
Discomfort on wearing contact lenses
Eye fatigue on reading or computer even for short period
Severe Dry Eye
If dry eyes are not given timely treatment, the severity of the disorder may lead to severe dry eye. Decreased vision when reading or driving (especially at night), is one of the symptoms of severe dry eye. Severe dry eye leads to poor physiological health. One of the major causes of severe dry eye is, Sjogren's syndrome. Sjogren's syndrome is a chronic disease that may also result in arthritis and dry mouth. Severe dry eye cases are very rare, but they result in decreased quality of life. Patients suffering from Sjogren's syndrome should ensure that they take appropriate eye care, as their eyes are at high risk of severe dry eye. Another reason that may cause severe dry eye is LASIK surgery. The surgery causes changes in the corneal surface and leads to dysfunction of the lacrimal glands. These symptoms may be observed even after many months after surgery.
Dry Eye medication - Severe Eye
The symptoms of dry eye do not confirm the diagnosis and eye tests are required. There is no cure for severe dry eye, but the symptoms can be reduced with medication. Before starting the treatment for severe dry eyes, your eye-care practitioner will first diagnose the reason for dry eye as treatment depends on the cause.
Artificial Tears
This is the basic treatment for dry eye. For mild dry eyes, this treatment is effective. Artificial tears are lubricating liquids that can be used to relieve the eyes from the fatigue. Prescription of doctor is recommended before using any lubricant. Lubricants without preservatives are always safe to use. Do not use artificial tears for red eyes as this may increase the dryness.
Restasis
Restasis is a prescribed medication for dry eyes, that is approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration). The medication increases the tear production and thus helps to keep the eyes moist. Almost 15% people who used Restasis got relieved from dry eye problem, however people who have an eye infection should not use Restasis as it may cause side effects.
Lacrimal/Punctual Plug
If the patient is not relieved by the use above medication, then the doctor suggests the punctual plug implant. In this implant, the openings that drain tears out of the eye are blocked. Thus, this helps to keep the eye moist.
Serum Eye Drops
Human tears contain several fluids that are responsible for healthy eyes. Serum contains similar fluids, thus helps in treating severe dry eye. The main drawback of serum eye drop is, it requires blood donation. The constituents of serum remain active only for 6 months, so one has to take the serum eye drop treatment, twice a year.
Surgery
If the dry eye case is very severe, the doctor may suggest to close the openings permanently. Lateral tarsorrhaphy is a surgery where the patients eyelids are sewn from outside (1/3rd portion). This will help in easy closing of eyes and reduce the tear evaporation.
Dry eye disorder is a common eye disease in women above 40 years of age. The disease causes frustration and lot of irritation in eyes. Almost 12 million Americans are affected by dry eye disorder every year.
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