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• Appropriate Management of the Refractive Surgery Patient
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• Symptoms of Vision Problems
• What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
• Blepharitis
• What is UV Radiation?

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Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye is a problem that affects 1 in 5 adults and 75% of the population over 65. It is the most common eye problem in the United States. This often under diagnosed problem is the leading cause of contact lens discontinuation and scratchy, watering or red, irritated eyes. Also several diseases can cause dry eyes such as: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Diabetes, Sjogren's Syndrome, Thyroid Disease, Asthma, Glaucoma, and Lupus. Many prescription and over-the-counter medications like anti-histamines, antidepressants, oral contraceptives and bladder control drugs can also lead to dry eye.

People often ask, "How can I have dry eyes when I have tears are running down my face?" There are two types of tear glands that secrete tears. The basal secretors are the glands that make high quality tears on a daily basis. Unfortunately these glands make fewer tears as we age. When the nerves in the eye then send a signal that they are dry and these basal secretors are already working at maximum, the nerves stimulate the reflex secreting glands to help out the basal glands. When you get some dust in your eye or an emotional event happens to you then you've had these reflex glands work. These reflex glands will make more tears but they are not as high quality. In an effort to correct the dryness, the reflex gland tears can be running down your face but you still have a dry eye.

• Tear Drainage System 
• Tear Layers 
• Punctal Plugs 

There are 3 distinct layers of the tear film that moistens the eye. The oily outer surface prevents evaporation. The middle layer is the largest and contains the watery part of the tears along with antibacterial products that protect your eyes from infection. The third and innermost layer is comprised of mucoproteins that allow the tears to spread evenly across the eye. At McCabe Vision Center both Dr. McCabe and Dr. Simon diagnose and successfully treat dry eye syndrome everyday. They have developed a treatment alogarithm that provides both quick and long-term relief for this common eye problem. If you have any symptoms of dry, burning or watery eyes or even fluctuating vision you can have these tests performed. These tests are simple, painless, and give immediate results. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, they can begin appropriate therapy for your particular problem. Treatment usually consists of one of three options: Tear substitutes, punctal plug occlusion or prescription medications. Therapy can be as simple as an artificial tear substitute, although not all tear substitutes work in the same way. Since there are 3 layers of the tear film, it is important that the tear substitute you use is appropriate for your particular problem. If your occupation makes it impossible to use artificial tears as often as required, then they can place punctual plugs in the eyelid to prevent rapid tear drainage. The punctum are small drain holes in the eyelid that the tears drain out through, so by placing a plug in these holes your natural tears will stay longer in your eyes. These reversible, non-dissolvable medical plugs work well and are not irritating. This is a painless procedure and is done in the office. Another option is to seal the drain holes with an office procedure to retain more tears and this is done if the plugs keep coming out. We also use the prescription drug Restasis that contains cyclosporine to reduce inflammation and irritation, the main causes of dry eye. This drug has been a great benefit to thousands of patients nationwide. Restasis must be used for a period of 3 months to assess whether it has been beneficial to the eye.