Dry Eye

When you have dry eye, your eyes either don’t produce enough tears, or the fluid doesn’t have the necessary lubricating properties. If you develop dry eye symptoms, experienced ophthalmologist Elena Nguyen, MD, at ENvision Eye Care in Foster City, California, can help. Dr. Nguyen uses advanced techniques to determine the cause of your dry eye. She also offers effective treatments, including punctal plug placement. Call ENvision Eye Care or request an appointment online today for a dry eye evaluation.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye occurs because your eyes don’t make enough tears or those they make do not offer proper lubrication.

When you blink, your eyelids spread a tear film over the eyeballs that keep them lubricated. The tear film contains special oils to keep the eye’s surface smooth and reduce evaporation and water to clean your eyes and remove waste particles. Mucus helps to spread the water layer evenly and keep your eyes moist.

Dry eye develops if tear production falls or the balance of these substances changes. A lack of oils and/or mucus in tears can dry your eyes, even though you may find they water excessively.

What symptoms does dry eye cause?

Dry eye symptoms vary but could include the following:

• Burning or stinging sensations
• Redness and irritation
• Grittiness in the eye
• Mucus buildup around the eye
• Excessive tearing
• Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
• Occasionally, blurry vision

Dr. Nguyen performs tests that measure tear production and help diagnose the cause of dry eye.

Why would I have dry eye?

Dry eye has many possible causes. A common one is aging because tear production slows down later in life. Another is looking at computer screens for long periods, especially if you don’t take breaks or fail to blink frequently.

People with autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and lupus are also prone to dry eye. Other causes include the following:

• Thyroid disorders
• Vitamin A deficiency
• Excessive contact lens use
• Nerve damage
• Laser eye surgery
• Blocked meibomian glands (especially in people with skin disorders)
• Posterior blepharitis (meibomian gland dysfunction)
• Ectropion (eyelids that turn outward)
• Entropion (eyelids that turn inward)
• Allergies
• Eye drop preservatives
• Wind, smoke, and dry air exposure

Side effects of certain medicines can cause dry eye. These drugs include antihistamines, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), decongestants, antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, acne treatments, and birth control pills.

How is dry eye treated?

After completing a thorough eye exam, Dr. Nguyen creates a personalized treatment plan for your condition, which may include:

• Artificial tears eye drops
• Prescription eye medication
• Lifestyle changes
• Nutritional supplements
• Tear duct plugs

Tear duct or punctal plug placement involves implanting tiny silicone plugs into the holes that drain fluid from your eyes. Dr. Nguyen specializes in performing this procedure for suitable patients.

To gain relief from dry eye, call ENvision Eye Care or request an appointment online today.