Dry Eye
Dry eyes, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is dryness of the membranes surrounding the eye. It happens when there are not enough healthy, natural tears in the eyes. The eyes must remain moist at all times. A small amount of tears is constantly produced by the tear glands (lacrimal glands). These glands are located under the outside part of the upper eyelids.
Dryness of the eyes can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjogren syndrome. Dry eye may be mild to severe.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Not making enough tears (aqueous tear-deficient dry eyes).
• Tears evaporating from the eye too quickly (evaporative dry eyes). This is when there is an abnormality in the quality of …show more content…
Your health care provider may recommend eye drops, which are also called artificial tears. If your condition is severe, treatment may include:
• Prescription eye drops.
• Over-the-counter or prescription ointments to moisten your eyes.
• Minor surgery to block tears from going into your nose.
• Medicines to reduce inflammation of the eyelids.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take, use, or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. This includes eye drops.
• If directed, apply a warm compress to your eyes to help reduce inflammation. Place a towel over your eyes and gently press the warm compress over your eyes for about 5 minutes or as told by your health care provider.
• If possible, avoid dry, drafty environments.
• Use a humidifier at home to increase moisture in the air.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them regularly to give your eyes a break. Always remove contacts before sleeping.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important. This includes yearly eye exams and vision tests.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have eye
Dry eyes, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is dryness of the membranes surrounding the eye. It happens when there are not enough healthy, natural tears in the eyes. The eyes must remain moist at all times. A small amount of tears is constantly produced by the tear glands (lacrimal glands). These glands are located under the outside part of the upper eyelids.
Dryness of the eyes can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjogren syndrome. Dry eye may be mild to severe.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Not making enough tears (aqueous tear-deficient dry eyes).
• Tears evaporating from the eye too quickly (evaporative dry eyes). This is when there is an abnormality in the quality of …show more content…
Your health care provider may recommend eye drops, which are also called artificial tears. If your condition is severe, treatment may include:
• Prescription eye drops.
• Over-the-counter or prescription ointments to moisten your eyes.
• Minor surgery to block tears from going into your nose.
• Medicines to reduce inflammation of the eyelids.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take, use, or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. This includes eye drops.
• If directed, apply a warm compress to your eyes to help reduce inflammation. Place a towel over your eyes and gently press the warm compress over your eyes for about 5 minutes or as told by your health care provider.
• If possible, avoid dry, drafty environments.
• Use a humidifier at home to increase moisture in the air.
• If you wear contact lenses, remove them regularly to give your eyes a break. Always remove contacts before sleeping.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important. This includes yearly eye exams and vision tests.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• You have eye