Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye disease, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a condition that results in the inflammation of the eye and the tear-producing glands. This inflammation decreases the eye’s ability to produce normal tears that protect the eye from irritation and keep it moisturized and lubricated. The tear film is composed of three intermingling layers:

• Oily layer - outermost layer prevents evaporation

• Watery layer - middle layer moisturizes the eye

• Mucous layer - inner layer allows adherence between the eye and the watery layer

• A disruption of the function of any one or more of these layers can cause dry eye symptoms.

It’s estimated that 20 percent of Americans, women more often than men, suffer from dry eyes, which can cause a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Dry eyes are characterized by a scratchy, gritty, or burning feeling, redness, stringy mucus, and increased sensitivity to light. Wind, dry air, and other environmental factors are but a few of the causes.

Surprisingly, dry eye syndrome can also cause excessive watering eyes due to the tears lacking the proper balance of mucous, water, and oil to coat the eyes properly. Chronic dry eyes can lead to damage of the eye’s surface, an increased risk of eye infections, and eventually, the inability to produce tears. Left untreated, severe forms of dry eyes can even damage your vision. At our St. Louis, Missouri centers, we can help patients determine potential causes of their dry eye syndrome and identify appropriate dry eyes treatments.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Some common causes of dry eyes include:

• Aging

• Hormonal changes, such as pregnancy or menopause

• Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s Syndrome

• Smoking

• Environmental factors (such as smoke, dry or windy weather, heaters, air conditioners, dust, contact lens wear, prolonged computer use)

• Allergies

• Contact lens wear

• Certain medications (such as decongestants, antihistamines, oral contraceptives, tranquilizers, diuretics)

• Vitamin A deficiency

• Inflammation of the eye's tear-producing gland

LASIK or another type of refractive surgery can worsen or bring on dry eyes. Similarly, those with extreme dry eyes may be disqualified from undergoing LASIK surgery.

Treatments for Dry Eyes

Common treatment of dry eye syndrome includes the use of artificial tears or ointments. However, excessive or prolonged use of artificial tears can disrupt the natural production of tears, leading to further aggravation of the condition instead of providing desired relief.

Though there is no cure, those who suffer from dry eyes can come to our St. Louis, Missouri practice and learn about ways to manage the condition. We generally suggest a combination of the following dry eyes treatment options:
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• Lubricating tears and ointments

• Punctal plugs, temporary or permanent

• Special eyewear while sleeping such as goggles or moisture chambers

• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acid supplements such as EyePromise® EZ Tears™

• Restasis®

EyePromise® EZ Tears™: In addition to topical treatment of dry eye syndrome, many eye professionals are finding the treatment of dry eye disease from the “inside” is a unique and effective means of treating dry eye syndrome. EyePromise® EZ Tears™ is an all-natural, highly purified Omega-3 developed by nutritional scientists to create a propriety blend of nutrients made from the finest, natural ingredients.

What sets EyePromise® EZ Tears™ apart from other dry eye supplements currently on the market? This nutraceutical is made from highly refined and purified fresh, cold-water Alaskan fish PLUS seven (7) other anti-inflammatory ingredients including antioxidant vitamins A, D and E, evening primrose oil, turmeric extract, green tea extract and mixed tocotrienol/tocopherol. By reducing inflammation, EZ Tears™ improves the quality of tears produced and helps your eyes maintain a healthier tear film. It is also enteric-coated-- making is easy to digest and reducing stomach upset, aftertaste and “fish burp” sometimes associated with other Omega-3’s. The convenient daily dosage of only 2 softgels per day compared to three or four softgels of other leading brands also makes it more palatable for patients.

With continued use, EyePromise® EZ Tears™ may give you uninterrupted relief from dry eye symptoms, such as irritated or scratchy eyes, redness, foreign body sensation and excessive watering…often times within 2-3 weeks of starting this treatment. For more information about treatment of dry eye, contact our offices in St. Louis, Missouri to schedule your dry eye evaluation.

Restasis®: Often, the root cause of dry eye syndrome is inflammation of the eyes’ tear-producing gland; this inflammation can be triggered or made worse by allergies, smoking, prolonged computer use, and other factors mentioned above. Unlike artificial tears, which only temporarily relieve dry eyes, Restasis® Ophthalmic Emulsion actually stimulates your eyes to produce more tears, addressing the root cause of discomfort. Restasis® is a prescription eye drop that, when used twice daily, causes a noticeable increase in natural tear production that will continue to improve with time. Restasis® can be used in conjunction with artificial tears, though non-prescription eye drops will become less necessary as healthy tear production is restored. Restasis® has been well-tolerated by patients and is currently the only dry eyes treatment to actually increase tear production.


To learn more about dry eyes treatments at our St. Louis, Missouri centers, contact Dr. Sean Mulqueeny at Mulqueeny Eye Centers today.