Everyone has a thin layer of tear film covering our eyes and when the composition of water, mucus, oil, antibodies and protein is disturbed, our eyes are no longer properly lubricated. Symptoms can range from pain, blurred vision, a scratchy or burning sensation, or even watery eyes (yes, because your eyes try to compensate for the dryness).

According to Pennsylvania Medical Society member and Pittsburgh-area ophthalmologist Michael Azar, MD, “In the winter, dry eye syndrome can be aggravated by exposure to dry, cold air or dry heat. A classic winter irritant is exposure to defroster air blowing into your face while driving.”

How do you know it’s not allergies? Dr. Azar clarifies, “Dry eye usually causes a sandy, burning, tired eye feeling while allergies usually cause itching. Because both dry eye and allergies can cause watery eyes, differentiating the two conditions can be difficult and may require an eye exam.”

Dr. Azar adds that dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, but is more common in older individuals. Post-menopausal women are especially prone to dry eye syndrome, but it may also be related to:
• Certain medications like diuretics, antihistamines and beta blockers.
• Diseases that affect the ability to make tears, such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and collagen vascular diseases.
• Structural problems with the eye lids that don't allow them to close properly.

“Try artificial tears or warm compresses to assist with tear secretion if you have classic dry eye symptoms. At home, a furnace humidifier or room humidifier can help. More severe symptoms may require treatment such as oral doxycycline to improve tear quality, punctal plugs, topical steroids or topical cyclosporine (Restasis).”

“Most dry eye is a simply a nuisance. However, severe dry eye can make you vulnerable to corneal infections which can permanently affect your vision. If artificial tears don’t seem to help, please contact an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye exam.”

The patient-doctor relationship has been the priority of the Pennsylvania Medical Society since its founding in 1848. Today, the physician members continue to focus on better health for all Pennsylvanians. To learn more about the Pennsylvania Medical Society, visit the web site at www.pamedsoc.org or its patient website at www.myfamilywellness.org. The Institute for Good Medicine at PAMED can be found www.goodmedicine.org.