Dry-eye syndrome controllable, not curable.

In the Savvy Senior syndicated column in Florida's Observer News (5/29), Jim Miller advises a reader about what "can be done to combat dry-eye" syndrome (DES). While there is "currently no cure" for DES, its symptoms can be controlled. The condition, which happens when the eyes "either don't produce enough tears" to stay "properly lubricated, or because they produce poor quality tears," may also be caused by "diabetes, allergies, rosacea, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome." DES can also "be caused by age,...eye conditions, eyelid problems, certain medications, environmental factors, and even" laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. The "first step in dealing with dry eyes is to check...lifestyle and surroundings for factors that might be contributing to the problem, and make adjustments." For example, humidifying air in the home, staying away from sources of blowing air, blinking often or taking breaks while watching television or performing computer work, avoiding smoky places, and wearing wraparound sunglasses all can help manage DES. And, because certain medications, including "[a]ntihistamines and decongestants, diuretics, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and over-the-counter sleeping pills" can also cause DES, patients should ask their "doctor about alternatives."
In the Healthbeat column on its website, Illinois ABC affiliate WLS-TV (5/28) focused on other ways to treat dry eyes. For instance, "[a]rtificial tears can be prescribed to lubricate and relieve the dry, scratchy feeling." Yet "[a]nother option for dryness is Restasis (generic) eye drops, which can actually help [the] eyes produce tears. ... Temporary or permanent silicone plugs can also be placed in the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining as quickly." Some DES patients "require surgery to permanently close their tear ducts." For other DES sufferers, "doctors recommend special nutritional supplements, such as essential fatty acids, to alleviate dry eyes." Finally, "[d]rinking water to relieve mild dehydration can also sometimes be a simple solution to dry eyes."

AOA suggests enjoying professional fireworks displays to protect, preserve eyesight.

Medical News Today (6/10) reports, "This year for the 4th of July celebrations, the American Optometric Association (AOA) suggests that families and friends stay away from private firework use, and instead enjoy professional displays to protect and preserve eyesight." That is because "thousands of adults and children are seriously injured" each Independence Day "as a result of fireworks and pyrotechnic devices. Many burns and injuries affect eyesight, permanently damaging and in some cases blinding the victims." Figures from Consumer Product Safety Commission indicated that in 2005, "fireworks were involved in an estimated 10,800 injuries that were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments." Approximately 1,600 of these "cases were eye injuries," including "contusions and lacerations." Sparklers, in particular, are the main "cause of fireworks injuries requiring trips to the emergency room." And, even "bystanders are not safe from injury. Data from the United States Eye Injury Registry shows that bystanders are injured by fireworks one-half of the time."

I know this does not relate to dry eye, but with the July 4th holiday coming up I thought it may be time appropriate.

Introduction

Hello,

Thanks for viewing my blog. My name is Lawrence W. Ernst, O.D. I am an eye doctor in Missouri. I have started this blog because there are literally millions of Americans that suffer everyday from Dry Eye Syndrome. I see many dry eye patients in my office. The research and resulting understanding of Dry Eye Syndrome has changed rapidly in the last few years. My goal with this blog is to pass along the latest information available to eye care professionals to those that are effected by dry eyes as soon as possible. I get volumes of professional journals every month and many have frequent updates. My intention is to keep this blog as current as possible. Return often and I will keep you up to date on the latest research on the diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes.