Are your eyes constantly tearing? You may actually be suffering from Dry Eyes!

You may have noticed the sensation that your eyes feel drier this time of year. As the heaters are running and the humidity drops, dryness can often creep in. This dryness can be particularly bothersome if you are a person suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome or what is also known as Ocular Surface Disease.

A person suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome may often feel like they have burning, stinging eyes, redness, and a foreign body sensation.  However; the most common symptom is often a reflex tearing effect caused by dry, irritated eyes.  This tearing is too watery and can often run down one’s face instead of properly hydrating the eye, thus not helping to relieve dry eye symptoms. 

There are certain systemic diseases that can exacerbate this condition. Some of the most common systemic diseases that put you more at risk for dry eye include Diabetes, Thyroid disease, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. In addition, lifestyle factors such as increased caffeine consumption, increased computer use, and certain medications can lead to dry eye if not properly managed.

Your eye doctor plays a vital role in the fight against dry eye by diagnosing and treating this condition in a number of ways. The first line of treatment is often properly managing any contributing systemic diseases such as Diabetes with your Primary Care Provider.  Once this is under control your eye doctor will initiate a treatment protocol that may include over the counter eye drops and vitamin supplements, prescription eye drops and lifestyle changes. 

Discussing your specific symptoms with your eye doctor can help determine the best treatment options. Some options your eye doctor may choose to treat your dry eye include:

1.                           Over the counter artificial tear eye drops; which can help alleviate minor dry eye symptoms

2.                           Omega 3 vitamin supplements have also been shown to improve tear film and alleviate many symptoms.

3.                           Punctal plugs; which keep your tears from draining as quickly and thus keep the tear film on your eyes for a longer period of time.

4.                           Anti-inflammatory medication eye drops such as Restasis can help a patient produce more tears over time.

To find out if you suffer from dry eye syndrome please contact our office at 770-479-0222 or www.EdwardsEyeCare.com to schedule your comprehensive eye examination. 

Sjogren's Syndrome in the News!

Tennis champion Venus Williams recently made headlines when she had to withdraw from the U.S. Open Tennis Championship just before the tournament began. Many fans were surprised to find out that she suffers from a mysterious autoimmune disease known as Sjogren's Syndrome. This condition was making her extremely fatigued to the point that she barely had enough energy to get out of bed much less to excel at the highest level of tennis competition.
Though Sjogren's syndrome may seem to be new information to the general public, eye doctors have been experts on this condition for years due to its ocular manifestations.
Sjogren's syndrome and other autoimmune disorders are well known causes of dry eye syndrome. That is one reason that you may have had your eye doctor ask you if you have been tested for autoimmune diseases and/or arthritis if you experience unresolving dry eyes. It is not uncommon for an eye doctor to order bloodwork to rule out this type of condition if dry eye symptoms continue to manifest despite ocular therapy. Some of the hallmark signs of Sjogren's Syndrome include unresolving dry eye and dry mouth symptoms. If these symptoms sound familiar to you it is definately worth mentioning to your eye doctor and general primary care physician in order to rule out Sjogren's Syndrome or other underlying systemic cause.
As an interesting side note I once attended the same school as Venus Williams growing up in central florida where she attended a nearby tennis academy, and we both have degrees from Nova Southeastern University in Florida. She is now being successfully treated for her condition and I'm sure we will all see her back on the court soon.