Eye-Opening Warning On Dry Eyes

Millions of Americans suffer from dry eyes, and it affects many more women than men.

And The Early Show medical correspondent Dr. Emily Senay

She explains that dry eye syndrome involves the eye not receiving proper lubrication.

Different glands around the eyes provide a constant flow of tears, which are made up of a combination of water, oils and lubricants, as well as protective proteins and antibodies to ward off infection. A constant flow of tears provides the lubrication to maintain vision and eye comfort.

If that lubrication is lacking, dry eyes can result. Dry eyes are a very common syndrome with varying degrees of severity that affects many more women than men.

The syndrome affects two to three times more women than men. About six million women and three million men in the United States have moderate or severe symptoms of the disease.

Scientists estimate that an additional 20 to 30 million people in the U.S. have mild cases of dry eyes.

When the tear system is disrupted, dry eyes can result. Dry eyes can also be caused when the tear film is dried by other external causes such as air conditioning, heat, or other environmental conditions. The aging process can cause dry eyes, especially during menopause for women. Dry eyes can be a side effect of certain medications, such as antihistamines and birth control pills. Long-term contact lens wearing, and laser surgery, can cause or exacerbate dry eyes. Problems with tear ducts and eyelids can cause dry eyes as well.

It's important to see a doctor if you have chronic dry eyes, Senay stresses, because certain diseases, such as diabetes, can also cause the condition. Severe dry eye syndrome also raises the risk of developing an infection of the cornea, scarring, or an ulcer, which can all permanently affect vision.

Symptoms of dry eyes include pain, itching, burning, redness, blurred vision, or a gritty sensation in the eye. Often, dry eyes feel like a foreign body or sand in the eye.

Ask your doctor or an ophthalmologist about treatments for dry eyes, Senay suggests.

Many doctors recommend artificial tear drops and ointments as a first line of defense. There are many different ones available. The key to using these products is to do it frequently, to keep the eyes lubricated even when they don't feel dry. Thicker ointments are available for use at night.

Your doctor may also suggest prescription medications. Procedures and even surgery to plug the ducts that enable tears to drain is another option your doctor might suggest. Hormonal treatments are also under investigation.

To prevent dry eyes, Senay says you should avoid anything that may cause dryness, such as an overheated room, hair driers, smoke, or wind. New research also indicates that a diet high in the Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish and walnuts may help prevent dry eyes.