Dry Eye Syndrome

For those of you that suffer from sandy, gritty, irritated, or burning eyes, recent studies have shown that Dye Eye Syndrome may be the cause your symptoms.

About 14% of adults over the age of 40 have dry eye. Based on the 2000 US Census, this translates into over 20 million Americans. This does not include the many people under age 40 who also have dry eye. Women are affected about 1.5 times more frequently than men. The prevalence of dry eye increases to as high as 19% in people over 80. About 3 million people have dry eye as a result of Sjogren's syndrome, and 90% of Sjogren's patients are women. These cases are frequently the most severe. And dry eye is very common in diabetics, affecting about half over the age of 20 (about 7 million Americans). Other risk factors for dry eye include hyperthyroidism (1.9% of females), long-term contact lens wear, and people who have had LASIK eye surgery.

Dry Eye is caused by any condition that increases tear film evaporation, or by any condition that decreases tear production. These conditions, in turn, may be caused by a dietary deficiency of omega-3 essential fatty acids.

Evaporation can increase from chronic eyelid inflammation or "blepharitis," specifically posterior blepharitis or meibomitis. In this condition the oil glands in the eyelid become damaged as a result of inflammation, and oil production decreases. With decreased oil on the tear film there is increased evaporation. Evaporation can also increase from having large eyes either on a hereditary basis, or from thyroid eye disease.

Tear production can decrease from any condition that damages the lacrimal gland. The most common cause of lacrimal gland damage is Sjogren's syndrome. Patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome also have dry mouth. Patients with secondary Sjogren's syndrome have an associated autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. Tear production can also decrease from any condition that decreases corneal sensation. Just as irritated eyes tear more, eyes that lose sensation tear less. This is because intact corneal sensation partially drives tear production. Causes for decreased corneal sensation include long-term contact lens wear, LASIK eye surgery, trauma to the 5th nerve, and certain viral infections.

Omega-3 essential fatty acids are provided primarily by the consumption of salmon, herring, sardines and mackerel. For those who can't, won't or don't eat these on a regular basis, there is TheraTears Nutrition, an omega-3 supplement developed for dry eyes and blepharitis.

For more information on Dry Eye Syndrome, you can visit www.dryeyeinfo.org, or for more information about TheraTears Nutrition, visit www.theratears.com.