Ask the Nurse

I have been told I have the condition 'Dry Eye.' Is there a cure and any ideas on what caused it?

Gladys, Glasnevin

Dear Gladys,
The eye depends on the flow of tears to provide constant moisture and lubrication to maintain vision and comfort. Tears are a combination of water, for moisture; oils, for lubrication; mucus, for even spreading; and antibodies and special proteins, for resistance to infection. These components are secreted by special glands located around the eye.

When there is an imbalance in this tear system, a person may experience dry eyes. Symptoms can include pain, a gritty sensation, a feeling of a foreign body or sand in the eye, itching or redness and blurring of vision. In addition to an imbalance in the tear-flow system of the eye, dry eye can be caused by the drying out of the tear film. This can be due to dry air, heat or other environmental conditions.

Other conditions that may cause dry eyes include the natural aging process, especially during menopause; side effects of using certain medications such as antihistamines; long-term contact lens wearing; certain diseases that affect the ability to make tears; structural problems with the eyes that don't allow them to close properly or a problem with the tear ducts.

You should ask your doctor about steps you can take to help prevent dry eyes from occurring. Although dry eyes cannot be cured, there are a number of steps that can be taken to treat them.

You should discuss treatment options with your doctor or an ophthalmologist. Options include using artificial tear drops and ointments, or surgery to close the ducts that drain tears out of the eye (punctal occlusion).

Back to Health Homepage »