People with Dry Eye may have scratchy, sandy-gritty irritation or burning in their eyes. Initially people may have symptoms when exposed to extremely dry environments such as that seen in airplane cabins or after long days driving in their car, or with contact lens wear. Sometimes there is no irritation but just occasionally redness of the eyes or intermittent tearing. A very common symptom of Dry Eye is intermittent blurring of vision.

Over time the symptoms may become worse upon awakening or in some cases worsen later in the day. Symptoms alone are usually insufficient to make a definitive diagnosis. Robbins Eye utilizes special tests to make a scientific diagnosis. These tests include Schirmer Test, tear film osmolarity, InflammaDry, meiboscan, tear break up time and Lipiview. Robbins Eye is the first Center for Excellence for Dry Eyes in the Rochester area.

Many prescribed medications can cause or worsen existing Dry Eye Syndrome. Also many OTC medications, in particular anti-histamines and anti-allergy compounds can exacerbate Dry Eye symptoms. Environmental conditions are also frequently a factor as is climate. LASIK surgery temporarily disrupts the ocular surface/lacrimal gland unit. This condition usually returns to pre-surgical status in 3-6 months.

Diseases that may be associated with Dry Eyes include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Asthma, Thyroid disease (lower lid does not move when blinking), Lupus, and possibly Glaucoma.

Age is a contributing factor to Dry Eye as it affects 75% of people over age 65. Tear volume decreases as much as 60% by age 65 vs. age 18.

Hormonal changes for women can cause decreased tear production brought on by pregnancy, lactation, menstruation, and post menopause.

Dust, Pollen, and Tobacco – When tear production decreases, dust and pollen stay in the eye longer and are more likely to stimulate an allergic response. In addition, anything that makes an eye more irritated, including Dry Eye, will make an eye more sensitive to environmental irritants such as tobacco smoke.

Other – Too much coffee drinking, smoking, wearing contact lenses, air-conditioning or heat.

Dry is is actually much more common in places that are cold and dry like Rochester NY compared to say Miami FL that is typically warm and humid. Basically, the cold dry air causes your tears to evaporate at a faster rate and this contributes to Dry Eye.

Dry Eye is a disease that, over time, can decrease the eye’s ability to make and/or maintain sufficient quality and quantity of tears for a healthy tear film. It is also known by the scientific name, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and by other terms such as dry eye syndrome or dysfunctional tear syndrome. The tear film helps protect the front surface of the eye and keep it moist and well lubricated. Severe forms of Chronic Dry Eye may lead to other consequences for your eyes, including damage to the front surface of the eye, increased risk of eye infection, and it may also affect your vision.

When reading or watching television, the rate that you blink is reduced and this causes the tear film to evaporate leading to dryness of the eyes. This may happen to people they are tired, or have spent long hours watching television or working in front of a computer screen.

Up until recently the “go to” standard treatment options include over-the-counter artificial tears for temporary dry eye relief, prescription therapies, and punctal plugs. However, there is a new treatment known as LipiFlow and Robbins Eye has invested in the equipment and necessary training to offer what is an revolutionary treatment regimen for this chronic problem.

LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation technology applies controlled heat to the inner eyelid, and mild intermittent pressure releasing lipids from the blocked Meibomian glands. It does this without damage to the glands or the delicate structures of the eye. LipiFlow treats the upper and lower eyelids simultaneously. In effect it unclogs the glands and allows your eyes to produce more and better quality tears.

In addition, there are medications which can be extremely helpful in treating the underlying inflammation. Restasis was the first eye dop FDA approved to treat keratoconjunctivitis sicca and Dry Eyes. It has helped millions of dry eye sufferers around the world. Last year a new drug received FDA approval to treat the signs and symptoms of chronic Dry Eye: Xiidra. These medications are instilled twice daily and are covered by many insurance plans