As we trudge into the part of winter everyone hates -- freezing
weather, gray skies, no sign of Santa anywhere -- we may feel the
urge to spend more time inside where it’s nice and
warm.
But temperature fluctuations like these can wreak havoc on your
eyes. And, if your eyes seem irritated, you may be experiencing
dry eye syndrome.
“In the winter, dry eye syndrome can be aggravated by
exposure to dry, cold air or dry heat. A classic winter irritant is
exposure to defroster air blowing into your face while
driving,” said Michael Azar, MD, Pennsylvania Medical
Society member and Pittsburgh-area ophthalmologist.
Causes and symptoms
What causes dry eye syndrome? When the composition of water,
mucus, oil, antibodies and protein is disturbed by dry, hot air,
the thin layer of tear film that covers our eyes is no longer able
to stay properly lubricated.
Symptoms can range from pain, blurred vision, a scratchy or burning
sensation, or ironically, watery eyes (because your eyeballs are
trying to compensate for the dryness).
People suffering from eye woes may rush to the allergist, but Azar
cautions to know the difference between allergies and plain, old,
weather-related dry eye syndrome before making an appointment with
a health professional.
“Dry eye usually causes a sandy, burning, tired eye feeling
while allergies usually cause itching,” he said.
However, since both dry eye and allergies can cause watery eyes,
Azar said differentiating between the two conditions can be
difficult and may require an eye exam.
Susceptibility
According to Azar, dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, but is
more common in older individuals.
Post-menopausal women are especially prone to dry eye syndrome, but
it may also be related to:
- Certain medications like diuretics, antihistamines and beta blockers.
- Diseases that affect the ability to make tears, such as scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and collagen vascular diseases.
- Structural problems with the eye lids that don't allow them to close properly.
Treatment
For people with classic dry eye symptoms, Azar recommends
artificial tears or warm compresses to help with tear secretion. A
furnace humidifier or room humidifier can help, too.
If those at-home treatments don’t work, professional action
may be required: oral doxycycline to improve tear quality, punctal
plugs, topical steroids or a prescription topical cyclosporine such
as Restasis.
“Most dry eye is a simply a nuisance. However, severe dry eye
can make you vulnerable to corneal infections which can permanently
affect your vision. If artificial tears don’t seem to help,
please contact an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye exam,”
said Azar.
