A closer look at dry eye

Dry eye is a condition that reduces your eyes' ability to produce or maintain sufficient natural tears. Dry eye is caused by a variety of environmental, lifestyle and physical factors.1 When your eyes are not able to maintain a healthy “tear film” on the eye's surface, 2 symptoms such as: dryness, a burning sensation, blurred vision, a gritty or gravelly feeling, decreased tolerance to wear contact lenses and sensitivity to light are experienced.1

In fact, dry eye is one of the most common reasons that people visit their eye care professional.3 While South African statistics are not available, it is estimated that 35% of the US population has symptoms related to dry eye.4 Even though so many people suffer from this condition, it remains one of the least understood eye conditions. Many people mistake dry eye symptoms for allergies, climatic conditions or just eye strain.5

The environmental factors which cause dry eye include excessive indoor heat or air conditioning and living in a dry, windy climate. Flying in an aeroplane can also exacerbate dry eye symptoms.1
Studies have also shown that office workers who stare at a computer screen for more than four hours a day are at an increased risk of developing dry eye symptoms.6

Lifestyle factors such as smoking and taking certain medications can also cause dry eye. These medications include anti-depressants, antihistamines, decongestants, beta-blockers, blood pressure medication, diuretics, ‘the pill', tranquilisers and ulcer (heartburn) medications. Certain diseases and medical conditions, such as arthritis, diabetes, menopause and lupus, can also cause dry eye. Age is also an important factor as natural tear production decreases as we get older.1 The majority of people over the age of 65 experience some symptoms of dry eye.7 Pregnancy can also cause this condition.1Women are more frequently affected than men, since dry eye is often caused by hormonal changes.3

People who wear contact lenses are at an increased risk of developing dry eye. Research has shown that up to half of all contact lens wearers report dry eye symptoms.4

Healthy eyes produce tears that contain natural nutrients and lubricants that create a film that cleanses, protects and moisturises the eye. A normal tear film contains a complex mix of electrolytes, proteins, nutrients, growth factors and antimicrobial factors that protect and nourish the eye surface.8 With each blink of the eyelids, tears are spread across the front of the surface of the eye (the cornea), which provide lubrication, reduces the risk of eye infection, washes away foreign matter and keeps the surface of the eyes smooth and clear.7

Fortunately for the millions of people globally affected by dry eye, effective treatment is easily available. Artificial tear supplement a compromised tear film, moisturise the ocular surface and provide temporary, short-acting symptom relief.9 One such treatment, Optive™ Lubricant Eye Drops, which was recently launched in South Africa, provides a lubricating and hydrating (moisturising) protective shield on the surface of the eye. Optive™ works below the tear film providing comfort and moisture to the eye. Optive™ is available in a convenient multi-dose bottle and can be purchased at pharmacies, optometrists and selected supermarkets.10

For more information, go to http://www.genophealthcare.co.za.
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References:
What is Dry Eye? OSDI Document
Chronic Dry Eye: A Closer Look - Causes of Dry Eye. Focus on Dry Eye (http://www.chronicdryeye.com/_CDE_info/CDE_symptoms2.htm). Website accessed on 27 November 2008.
Dry Eye - Allergan (http://www.allergan.com/treatments/eye_care/dry_eye.htm). Website accessed on 27 November 2008.
Karpecki PM, Thimons JJ. Dry Eye Management for the New Century. Optometric Study Center. February 2001.
Chronic Dry Eye: A Closer Look (http://www.chronicdryeye.com/_CDE_info/CDE_closer.htm). Website accessed on 27 November 2008
Office workers may be at increased risk of dry eye diseases. Opthalmology. 2008; 115(11): 1982-1988.
Dry Eye - American Optometric Association (http://www.chronicdryeye.com/_CDE_info/CDE_closer.htm). Website accessed on 27 November 2008.
Chronic Dry Eye: A Closer Look - Tear Quality of Healthy Eyes. (http://www.chronicdryeye.com/_CDE_info/CDE_tear.htm). Website accessed on 27 November 2008
Dual-Action OPTIVE™ Advanced Lubrication and Protection from Hypertonic Stress. Allergan. 2007.
OPTIVE™ Fact Sheet. Allergan
GENOP - Healthcare for the Future - About us (http://www.genophealthcare.co.za/about.asp)