The doctors at Mountain Vista EyeCare can perform a dry eye medical evaluation to prescribe and recommend treatments for different forms of dry eye. Mountain Vista EyeCare and Dry Eye Center was a clinical study site for Alcon Dry Eye research.

What is Dry Eye?

The tears your eyes produce are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Dry eye means that your eyes do not produce enough tears or that you produce tears that do not have the proper chemical composition. Excessive dry eyes may damage eye tissue, scar your cornea (the front covering of your eyes) and impair vision and make contact lens wear difficult.

What Causes Dry Eye?

1. Natural aging process

2. Eyelid problems

3. Blinking problems (often associated with computer use)

4. Medications (antihistamines, oral contraceptives, antidepressants, some blood pressure medications, hormone replacement therapy)

5. Dry climate, wind and dust

6. General health problems (arthritis or Sjogren's syndrome)

7. Chemical or thermal burns to your eyes

What are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?

How Can Dry Eye be Treated?        

If you have symptoms of dry eye, see your optometrist for a comprehensive examination. Dry eye cannot be cured, but your optometrist can prescribe treatment so your eyes remain healthy and your vision is unaffected. Some treatments that your optometrist might prescribe include:

1. Blinking more frequently

2. Increasing humidity at home or work

3. Using artificial tears and using a moisturizing ointment

4. Nutritional supplements

5. Prescription drops or pills

6. In some cases, small plugs are inserted in the corner of the eyes to slow tear drainage; sometimes, surgical closure of the drainage ducts may be recommended

Source:  American Optometric Association