Dry Eye May Develop As a Result of…

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD)

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Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) accounts for the majority of cases of dry eye syndrome. It occurs when an abnormality or blockage occurs in the small meibomian glands, which are located in your lower eyelid. This then prevents these tiny glands from producing the lipids needed to maintain the right balance for the optimum quality and functioning of the tears. A shortage of these lipids can cause the tears in your eyes to evaporate too quickly, resulting in dry eyes.

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Blepharitis

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Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. The affected area is usually at the very end of the eyelid, located at the base of the eyelashes. This inflammation causes the tips of the eyelid to swell up, appear red and inflamed, and produce infected debris called scurf. If you think you may be suffering from this eye condition and are now seeking effective treatment, contact us today.

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Certain medical procedures

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Complications from certain medical procedures, including eye surgery and radiation therapy, will very often result in DES. Radiation therapy to treat head and neck cancers, cancer of the eye socket or whole-brain radiation for brain cancer, often damages the lacrimal glands. The glands may decrease tear production and cause dry eye symptoms.

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This is also true for laser eye surgery, such as LASIK, where DES symptoms may develop due to an increased corneal sensitivity following the surgery.

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Cataract surgery does not typically worsen dry eyes, as only two very small incisions, less than 2mm each, are made in the cornea during this operation. They heal quickly after surgery. Many eye doctors will assess and treat dry eyes prior to cataract surgery, as a pre-existing dry eye condition can sometimes influence the accuracy of measurements, affecting quality of the vision following the surgery.

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Diabetes

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Diabetes can lead to dry eyes because of nerve neuropathy. Essentially, the nerves that control the tear ducts may stop functioning properly, resulting in decreased tear production. Furthermore, diabetes can cause loss of corneal sensitivity, which also impacts dry eye syndrome.

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Sjogren’s Syndrome

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This is an autoimmune disease that can affect the nerves and prevent the tear ducts from producing a sufficient volume of tears.

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Thyroid disorder

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The thyroid maintains the body’s hormonal and metabolic balance. Therefore, a malfunctioning thyroid alters the metabolism of the entire body — and your eyes are no exception. Both overactive and underactive thyroid conditions can result in dry eyes.

Certain medications

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Several medications may cause a reduction in the functionality of the tear ducts and lead to dry eyes. These include:

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• Diuretics

• Decongestants

• Antihistamines

• Anticholinergics

• Antidepressants

• Hormones

• Hypertension medication

• Dermatological agents

• Lortab (acetaminophen and hydrocodone)

• Ibuprofen (Advil)

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Please inform us of any medications you are taking, whether over-the-counter or prescription meds, as this will enable us to better assess and treat your dry eye condition. Hormonal changes Sharp changes in your body’s hormone levels will often result in an inflammatory response that can result in dry, irritated eyes.

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• Pregnancy – Blurred vision, itchiness, burning, or discomfort when wearing contact lenses, as well as sensitivity to light may occur during the early stages of pregnancy when hormones are most active. These hormones have also been shown to adversely impact meibomian glands, located within the upper and lower eyelid margins.

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Healthy glands secrete oil in the tears to prevent tear film evaporation. However, when affected, the meibomian glands cause your tears to evaporate more quickly, resulting in the unstable tear film and dry eyes. The condition can last throughout the pregnancy, during postpartum recovery, and even though the breastfeeding phase.

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• Birth control – The pill, hormonal patches, vaginal rings, or IUDs may cause similar hormonal changes as those found during pregnancy, thus resulting in decreased tear production. Producing fewer tears increases the likelihood of developing dry eyes.

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• Menopause – When undergoing menopause, the body produces less progesterone, estrogen, and androgens. The latest research indicates that androgens directly affect the delicate balance of tear production, meaning that fewer androgens will result in fewer tears.

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Managing dry eye syndrome in menopausal women requires a customized treatment plan. Contact us today to book an appointment we will provide you with the most effective treatment for your specific case of dry eye.

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Seasonal changes — particularly in the spring, summer, and fall— cause there to be a high amount of pollens and allergens in the air. Certain people develop an autoimmune response to these allergens, often resulting in ocular inflammation and dry eyes.

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Wind and dryness — Dry climates tend to have high winds and little moisture in the air, which can cause the tears to evaporate quickly.

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Indoor heating systems — Cold weather may lead you to spend most of your time indoors, exposed to dry heat. This can evaporate your tears, leading to inflamed, itchy eyes.

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Reduced blinking when using digital devices — People tend to blink up to 66% less often when staring at a digital device. The blinks that are performed during computer work are only partial — which aren’t as effective at keeping the eyes moist. Making a conscious effort to blink more often can prevent dryness and irritation.

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Contact lenses — People who wear traditional contact lenses often complain of dry eye symptoms. These symptoms can be exacerbated by improper contact lens hygiene or wearing the contacts too many hours at a time. For those with an underlying dry eye condition, specialized contact lenses may be required.

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Eye infections — Eye infections, such as viral or bacterial conjunctivitis (or pink eye), can cause significant irritation, similar to that of dry eye syndrome. The symptoms will usually clear up once the infection has been treated.

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Omega 3 — Omega 3 fatty acids can improve the eye’s oil film that’s produced by small glands on the edge of the eyelid, called the meibomian glands. These fatty acids are essential for tear production and to ease stinging, irritation, and scratchy sensations that often occur with dry eyes.

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If your diet is low in Omega 3, you should consider adding more fish to your diet or taking supplements as needed. Dr. Alan B. Schlussel will be more than happy to guide you to the supplements that provide the best sourcing and bio-available Omega 3.

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You don’t have to suffer from dry eyes in silence. Nostalgic Dry Spa will conduct a full assessment and develop a custom treatment plan that’s right for you, Philadelphia.

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• Gritty Eyes

  Gritty eyes are characterized by an uncomfortable sensation of having sand in your eyes. They are typically caused by certain eye conditions, such as Dry Eye Syndrome, Sjogren’s syndrome, Blepharitis, and sunburned eyes.

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• Waking Up With Dry Eyes 

  Are you waking up with dry, itchy, burning eyes? Many things can cause these sensations: certain medications, your eyelids not closing properly at night, or a thyroid disorder. Read on to learn why you're waking up with dry eyes and how the condition can be treated.

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• Electronic Devices And Dry Eye

  Using electronic devices like smartphones and tablets has been linked to dry eye syndrome. Read on to learn why it can cause or exacerbate dry eye and discover ways to prevent it.

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• What Are Dry Eyelids?

  Dry eyelids can be caused by several medical conditions, including blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids). Read on to learn about eyelid dryness and discover how a dry eye optometrist can help.

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• Why Dry Eye Affects More Women Than Men

  Women are susceptible to developing Dry Eye Syndrome due to lifestyle choices (such as makeup use) and hormonal changes that occur over a lifetime. Post-menopausal women can further increase their chances when using hormonal replacement therapy.

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• Are Your Contact Lenses Causing Dry Eye?

  Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk of developing dry eye. Whether your contact lens is blocking oxygen from entering the eye, or the tear film breaks up, causing the contact lens to irritate the surface of the eye, you can get relief. Read on to learn more about contact lens-induced dry eye and to prevent and treat it.

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• What Is Lagophthalmos?

  Lagophthalmos is the inability to completely close one’s eyelids. There are several causes of this uncomfortable, sometimes damaging eye condition, so it’s important to visit your eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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• Dry Eyes As We Age

  Aging increases your chance of developing dry eye syndrome (DES), for several reasons. These include reduced tear production, certain medical conditions, and taking specific medications. Although DES is unpleasant and the symptoms may be irritating, this condition is treatable​