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Dry Eye
The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear
vision. Dry eye means that your eyes do not produce enough
tears or that you produce tears which do not have the proper chemical
composition. Often, dry eye is part of the natural aging process. It can also be
caused by blinking or eyelid problems, medications like antihistamines, oral
contraceptives and antidepressants, a dry climate, wind and dust, general health
problems like arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome and chemical or thermal burns to
your eyes.
If you have dry eye, your symptoms may include irritated, scratchy, dry,
uncomfortable or red eyes, a burning sensation or feeling of something foreign
in your eyes and blurred vision. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar
your cornea (the front covering of your eyes) and impair vision and make contact
lens wear difficult.
If you have symptoms of dry eye, see your optometrist for a comprehensive
examination. Dry eye cannot be cured, but your optometrist can prescribe
treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your vision is unaffected. Some
treatments that your optometrist might prescribe include blinking more
frequently, increasing humidity at home or work, using artificial tears and
using a moisturizing ointment, especially at bedtime. In some cases, small plugs
are inserted in the corner of the eyes to slow tear drainage. Sometimes,
surgical closure of the drainage ducts may be recommended.
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