Facts About Dry Eyes
There are as many as 33 million Americans, half of whom are over age 50, who experiencing some or all of the symptoms of the irritating conditions known as dry eye. While there are simple and generally effective forms of treatment, the great majority of those suffering from dry eye are not consulting with an eye doctor and are not undergoing any form of recommended treatment.

If left untreated, dry eye can be more than just irritating or uncomfortable. Excessive dry eye over a period of time can cause serious damage to eye tissue with possible scarring of the cornea. The cornea is the transparent protective covering of the eye. It performs 80 percent of the refractive vision function. Such damage can result in loss of vision to one degree or another.

About Tears
The human eye is lubricated by two kinds of tears produced by the tear
glands in the upper and lower eyelids.
  
Constant tears are continuously formed to lubricate the eye and contain natural antibiotics to help fight infections. 
Reflex tears are produced only in response to irritation, injury, or emotion and help rinse the surface of the eye. 

A balance is necessary between the two types of tears to ensure that your eyes are comfortable and protected. When constant tear flow is reduced, there is irritation that can cause excessive reflex tearing (“watery eyes”). These excess tears lack the oil needed to keep from evaporating and do not lubricate the eye. A lack of tears, improper lubrication, or tears draining too quickly from the eye result in a condition known as DRY EYES. Dry eye is a common problem that is easily diagnosed.

Artificial Tears
Tears can be replaced by using eye drops called artificial tears. They replace the moisture that is missing and lubricate the eyes. They temporarily soothe dry eye symptoms; however, they also wash away the natural, infection-fighting tear film. For many people, artificial tears are
inadequate or impractical.


One or more factors may contribute to dry eyes

• Aging – As we age, tear production decreases. Men and women of any age can be affected; however, after menopause and during pregnancy, women are especially susceptible.
• Contact Lenses – Wearing contact lenses often increases tear evaporation. Dry eye has shown to be the leading cause of contact lens discomfort.
• Medications – A variety of common medications reduce tear secretions. These include: decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, beta-blockers, sleeping pills, antidepressants, pain relievers, and alcohol.
• Environment – Occasional or continual exposure to various environments can reduce eye lubrication. These include: sunny, dry, windy conditions; areas with heaters, dehumidifiers, fans, or air conditioners.
• Work settings; high altitudes, smoke or air pollution, sand, dust, or airborne pollen.
  Treatment...
• Artificial tears have provided a quick, short-term solution to dry eye. today, tear-duct closure, which allows you to retain your own natural tears, may be the best solution.

Treatment

• Temporary closure of the tear duct is accomplished by inserting a tiny plug to prevent tear drainage. Your own tears will bathe your eye for a longer time and, in about one week; this plug will dissolve and wash away with your tears. You and your doctor can then evaluate the benefit of tear duct closure for you.
• Long-term closure of the tear drainage ducts involves the use of a non-dissolvable, yet removable, plug to seal the tear duct. This non-surgical procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes in your doctor's office. 
• With the insertion of permanent plugs, relief from the discomfort of dry eyes may be immediate, while for some patients relief may be more gradual.