Can Dry Eye Be Prevented?

Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including irritation, redness, and a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes.

Causes and Risk Factors of Dry Eye

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome, including:
 

• Age: As you get older, your tear production naturally decreases, making you more susceptible to dry eye.

• Gender: Women, especially those going through hormonal changes like menopause, are more prone to dry eye.

• Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production.

• Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry, windy, or low-humidity environments, as well as prolonged use of digital screens, can exacerbate dry eye.

• Medical Conditions: Conditions like Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and diabetes can increase the risk of developing dry eye.

• Eyelid Problems: Issues with the eyelids, such as blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction, can disrupt the production or quality of tears.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

The most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include:
 

• Redness and irritation in the eyes

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation in the eyes

• Sensitivity to light and wind

• Blurred vision 

• Eye fatigue

• Excessive tearing
   

If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to seek the advice of an optometrist to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
 

Helpful Strategies to Prevent Dry Eye

While dry eye cannot always be prevented, there are several steps you can take to reduce your risk and manage the condition:
 

1. Maintain good eye hygiene: Regularly clean your eyelids and lashes to remove any buildup of oil or debris.

2. Blink frequently: Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when using digital screens for extended periods.

3. Adjust your environment: Use a humidifier, avoid direct air conditioning or heating, and limit time in dry, windy conditions.

4. Take breaks from digital screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain optimal tear production.

6. Use over-the-counter eye drops: Preservative-free artificial tears can provide temporary relief for dry eye symptoms.

Effective Treatment Options for Dry Eye Relief

For individuals struggling with persistent dry eye symptoms, lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies may not provide sufficient relief. In these cases, optometrist may recommend advanced treatment options tailored to address the underlying causes of dry eye.  Very few practices nationwide have all of the in-office treatments available. At Forefront Eye Care, we have a nationally recognized dry eye clinic, with all of the therapies that are FDA approves so we can personalize your dry eye treatment plan. 
 

One effective treatment is LipiFlow, which was developed at Forefront Eye Care (formerly Korb & Associates). This is a a procedure performed in-office that uses thermal pulsation to unblock the meibomian glands. These glands are responsible for producing the lipid (oil) layer of the tear film, which helps to prevent the eyes from drying out. By restoring the function of these glands, LipiFlow can improve tear quality and provide long-lasting relief from dry eye symptoms.
 

Another option is OptiLight IPL (intense pulsed light) therapy, which targets inflammation in the eyelids and enhances tear film quality. This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals with eyelid-related dry eye conditions, such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), helping to restore comfort and reduce irritation.
 

The TearCare system also uses thermal energy but focuses on melting and expressing the contents of the meibomian glands to improve the stability of the tear film. By addressing blockages, TearCare helps maintain better lubrication of the eyes, reducing discomfort and improving visual clarity.
 

The ILux device uses heat and pressure applied to the external eyelids, which softens the meibum and enables epression of the anbormal material. Rehabilitation of the meibomian glands will allow proper tear film function. 

For those with moderate to severe cases of dry eye, medications are prescribed. They are often used in combination with home maintenance plans and in-office therapy. Unfortunately, medicaitons rarely work alone. Short term anti-inflammatory agents (Lotemax, Eysuvis, Prednisiolone) or longer-term steroid sparing agents (Xiidra, Restasis, Cequa, Veveye) are the primary treatments after over the counter artificial tears and ointments. In addition, medication that treats demodex blepharitis is now available (Xdemvy). Biologic agents are used to naturally restore tissue and nerve integrity (serum tears, Regenereys, Stimuleyes). Tyrvaya is a nasal spray that induces the lacrimal gland to secrete more of the watery part of your tears, and Meibo helps to prevent evaporation by complexing with meibomian gland secretions. Many of these are used as combination thearpy. 
 

For patients with more serious conditions, scleral lenses may be recommended. These specialized contact lenses create a fluid-filled chamber over the cornea, which provides continuous moisture and protection, making them an excellent option for managing severe dry eye symptoms. Moisture chamber eyeglasses can also provide significant relief. 
 

Our optometrists, who all specialize in dry eye at Forefront Eye Care will assess your specific condition to determine the most suitable treatment approach, ensuring that your dry eye is managed effectively based on its underlying cause and severity.
 

Taking Proactive Steps for Improved Eye Health and Comfort

Dry eye syndrome is a common and often chronic condition, but with the right strategies and treatment, it can be effectively managed. However, when patients wait too long to engage in therapy, the condition can be difficult to control and cannot be cured. The key to managing dry eye is to be proactive and work closely with our eye doctors to find the most effective solution for your individual needs. With the right approach, you can take control of your dry eye and enjoy a higher quality of life.
 

If you're experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with Forefront Eye Care. We have hundreds of publications on our dry eye research. You can view our recent papers here: https://www.forefronteyecare.com/research.html

We can provide a comprehensive evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan to address the root cause of your dry eye. Visit our office in Boston, Massachusetts, or call (617) 322-0534 to book an appointment today to take the first step towards relief and improved eye health.