Joel Kestenbaum O.D. is a VSP provider in Long Island, NY.
VSP provider Joel Kestenbaum, O.D. from Long Island N.Y. provides an overview of dry eye syndrome
Tears bathe our eyes to keep them nourished and usually do not leak down the cheek. Why is that? On the other hand, why do tears sometimes flow in such abundance that we must wipe them away?
Various glands in and around the eyelid produce the tears. Microscopic glands produce the tears that are composed of water, oil, mucous and an abundance of nutrients. If one of the components of the tears is not produced in the exact amounts, the tears become either too wet or too dry.
A common complaint in my office, especially as people age, is that tears run down the cheek. Usually excess tear production occurs because the microscopic glands in the lid that produce the normal water part of the tears are not producing enough. In response, the one large gland, the lacrimal gland, that normally secretes a lot of tears when we cry produces too much water so we drip. This is classic dry eye syndrome. Are you confused yet?
Among the many signs of dry eye include the eyes feeling scratchy, itchy, gritty, burny, looking red or pink, light sensitivity, vision complaints.
Dry eye treatment mostly consists of using artificial tears or tear substitutes. There is also an FDA approved prescription eye drop, Restasis, which can help the tiny glands in the eyelid to increase its tear production. Your eye doctor can make diagnosis of dry eye and offer treatment as needed. Keep your eyes healthy. Have your eyes examined regularly.
Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
www.optixeyecare.com
Photo from virtualmedicalcenter.com
On the contrary, Matt, hard or gas permeable lenses as we refer to them today, tend not to need as much moisture as soft contact lenses. Yes, it is true that the quality of the tear film is important to successful contact lens wear. But it is not as important with gas permeable lenses. A highly wettable lens can usually accommodate the patient with a dry eye. The downside to gas perms is that patient adaptation is usually easier in patients with a normal tear film compared to dry eye patients.
Great article Dr. Kestenbaum
There seems to be a million and one reasons for dry eyes!
It would make sense that hard contact lenses are not good for patients with a poor tear film. It would seem as though the tear film would have trouble filling the gap between the lens and the cornea and this would generate an inconsistent index of refraction.
I am just putting two random ideas together for this situation, but I am curious about contact lenses and tear film quality in patients.
You should do another article!