Atypical Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when the body cannot or does not produce enough natural tears to properly moisturize the eyes, causing extreme discomfort in the form of redness, itchiness and the feeling that something is in the eye. In some cases, the symptoms of atypical dry eyes can be cause for alarm as they are the result of a more serious disease.

Tears

• The most common cause of dry eyes is the lack of natural tears. John P. Witcher, M.D., M.P.H., describes tears as "a complex mixture of the secretions of several glands. The aqueous tear layer, which comprises the bulk of the tear film, is secreted by the lacrimal gland proper and the accessory lacrimal glands of Wolfring and Krause. The aqueous layer floats on a mucin layer secreted by the conjunctival goblet cells. The mucin layer acts as a surface-wetting agent, allowing the aqueous layer to spread out smoothly and to coat the hydrophobic corneal epithelial cells after each blink of the eye." In other words, tears are a lubricating combination of water, oils, mucus and antibodies that spread evenly over the eye.

Symptoms

• Atypical dry eye symptoms include blurred vision, itchiness, redness, pain, foreign-body sensation, sensitivity to light, and the noticeable inability to produce tears. Dry eye syndrome is medically referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or keratitis sicca, and relates to the symptoms of dry eye regardless of the underlying disease. Dry eye symptoms can even include overly watery eyes. According to Judith Lee and Gretchyn Bailey of AllAboutVision.com, "It may seem odd, but sometimes watery eyes can result from dry eye syndrome, because the excessive dryness works to over-stimulate production of the watery component of your eye's tears."

Causes

• There are numerous factors that come into play when dry eye syndrome occurs. Dry eyes can be caused as a side effect due to many prescription medicines or birth-control pills. Menopause or other occurrences of the natural aging process can lead to dry eyes. The heat or air conditioning in your home or office, as well as the lack of blinking when staring at a computer screen for too long, are also causes, along with long-term contact lens use. Dry eye can also be the cause of more serious concerns such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome or the eye's inability to completely close properly, or problems with the tear ducts.

Treatments

• There are several ways to treat the symptoms of dry eyes, though there is no be-all, end-all cure. The most common treatment of dry eyes is over-the-counter artificial tear and lubricating drops. If dry eyes are a common occurrence, it is important to use the eye drops on a regular basis even if the eyes feel fine. Temporary or permanent punctal occlusion plugs the ducts that drain tears out of the eye using a dissolvable material or a permanent silicone plug. Punctal occlusion is the next best bet if artificial tears don't properly treat the symptoms. If these treatments fail to make a difference, there are prescription medications available and sometimes surgery may be needed.

Warnings

• It is best to consult your doctor if you feel the symptoms of dry eyes occur. A doctor can make the educated decision about which treatment is best and if a more serious underlying problem is the root of your dry eyes.