Dry Eye Treatment

About 10 million Americans suffer from chronic dry eye, or dry eye syndrome, clinically referred to as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS). Dry eye occurs when the tears that serve to lubricate the eye fail to produce sufficient moisture, and stinging, burning, scratchiness and other symptoms result.

Most of these cases result from normal aging of the glands in the eye, but dry eye can occur at any age. People suffering from allergies and those wearing contact lenses have greater risk of developing dry eye. While environmental factors can further aggravate chronic dry eye, they are not the cause. One cause can be the body’s reduced ability to produce tears due to inflammation. Dry eye cannot be cured, but your eyes’ sensitivity can be lessened and measures taken so your eyes remain healthy and comfortable. If left untreated, dry eye can make a difference in one’s ability to see, can lead to an increased risk of cornea or eye surface damage and eye infection, and in rare cases, it becomes serious, even blinding.

The most frequent method of treatment is the use of artificial tears, tear substitutes or a new, popular brand of prescription eye drops known as Restasis, which helps increase your natural ability to produce tears. Although they can lessen the symptoms, it is important to know that over-the-counter tear replacement solutions are not a treatment for dry eye, and frequent use of these for long periods of time may cause toxic irritation or even allergic reactions.

The experienced doctors at Seidenberg Protzko can inform you whether you have a certain type of chronic dry eye, and can then prescribe the right treatment so your eyes can regain a normal level of comfort and effectiveness.