Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye is a multifactorial disease of the tears and the ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbance, and tear film instability with potential damage to the ocular surface. Dry eye is a very common disorder affecting a significant percentage (approximately 10-30%) of the population, especially those older than 40 years. In the United States, an estimated 3.23 million women and 1.68 million men, a total of 4.91 million people, aged 50 years and older are affected. Dry eye may be slightly more common in women.

Signs of a dry eye include the following:

• Bulbar conjunctival vascular dilation
• Decreased tear meniscus
• Irregular corneal surface
• Decreased tear break-up time
• Punctate epithelial keratopathy
• Corneal filaments
• Increased debris in the tear film
• Conjunctival pleating
• Superficial punctuate keratitis, with positive fluorescein staining
• Mucous discharge
• Corneal ulcers in severe cases

Treatment of dry eye syndrome may involve artificial tear supplements, increased water intake, adding omega 3 fatty acids, and prescription medication. RESTASIS® Ophthalmic Emulsion is the only prescription eye drop to help increase tear production, in cases where it may be reduced by inflammation due to Chronic Dry Eye. A simple regimen of a drop in the morning and a drop at bed time can ease the frustration of dry eye complaints. Please contact the office if you have any questions about dry eye treatment and the use of RESTASIS®.