Treatment of Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when the eyes are insufficiently moisturized, leading to itching, redness and pain from dry spots on the surface of the eye. The eyes may become dry and irritated because the tear ducts don't produce enough tears, or because of a chemical imbalance in the tears.
Patients with this condition often experience irritating symptoms and which may result in more serious damage to the vision if the condition is left untreated. It is important for patients with this condition to take special care of their eyes in order to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Your doctor can diagnose dry eye after a thorough evaluation of your eyes and tear production with a Schirmer tear test.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
Blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, is a treatment option if an eyelid condition is causing your dry eyes. By removing excess tissue and tightening the skin, eyelid surgery can increase the visual field and also correct the defect that resulted in dry eyes. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure with local anesthesia. Complications are rare.
Dry eye may be prevented or treated nutritionally. Many studies are being conducted to determine the relationship between vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and eye health. So far, there have been promising findings associating Omega-3 fatty acids with a reduction of dry eye symptoms. Eating foods such as walnuts and cold water fish like herring and mackerel, rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, or taking a supplement has been shown to lower the risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Researchers are not sure why, but it may be that they increase tear production or act as an anti-inflammatory within the body.