Dry Eye Syndrome

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - There's a very common condition called Dry Eye Syndrome that can can be cause by several systemic & ocular conditions.  Today Doctor Brian Bearie of The Grand Rapids Eye Institute explains more about this condition and what can be done for those who have it.  According to Dr. Bearie, some conditions that can lead to Dry Eye include Rosacea, Graves Disease, Anti-histamine use for allergies, any autoimmune problems such as Sjogrens, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Lupus.  It is also common during and after menopause, and can be found in people with recurrent erosions and Bells palsy.  Environmental factors may also play a role and job-related computer use is a common cause for those without systemic etiologies. Most people who are diagnosed with Dry Eye Syndrome come in complaining of watery eyes that feel sandy or gritty. Sometimes they experience a foreign body sensation, burning, or sharp, stabbing pains.  Treatment for Dry Eye is multi-fold, depending on the severity. Mild cases can be managed with over-the-counter artificial tear eye drop products like Refresh, GenTeal, TheraTears, Optive & Systane. If not sufficient, new professional grade artificial tear drop products may help.
Moderate cases may call for thicker lubrication, such as gels or ointments, nutraceuticals, or punctal plugs which hold the moisture in their eye for a longer period of time. Severe cases might require prescription medication, such as Restasis, for the stimulation of increased tear production, or steroids if the cornea is excessively dry to the point that the patient has decreased visual acuity.

Grand Rapids Eye Institute
1959 East Paris SE
Grand Rapids
(616) 575-6700
www.grandrapidseyeinstitute.com
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