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DRY EYE SYNDROME

At the Mann Eye Institute Dry Eye Clinic, in Houston and Austin, you will always find the latest in advanced treatment options for Dry Eye Syndrome. Our eye care specialists will find the right solution to alleviate your discomfort and improve your visual acuity.

Dry Eye Syndrome is the most common of all eye disorders, affecting over 20% of Americans.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you may be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome. With today's treatment options, Dry Eye Syndrome can easily be managed.

DRY EYE SYMPTOM CHECKLIST

If you answer YES to any of the following symptoms, we recommend you schedule a comprehensive eye exam at the Mann Eye Institute Dry Eye Clinic today!

•Red eyes
•Burning or ichy watery eyes
•Sandy or gritty feeling
•Foreign body sensation
•Sensitivity to light
•Constant or occcasional tearing
•Contact lens discomfort or decreased tolerance
•Seasonal allergies

QUESTIONS ABOUT DRY EYE SYNDROME:

What is Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)?
Tears function to protect and moisturize the eyes to keep them comfortable. Dry Eye Syndrome is the decline in the quantity and quality of tears naturally produced by the eye, causing irritation. In some cases, tears may have a chemical composition that causes them to evaporate too quickly. Left untreated, symptoms tend to intensify and visual acuity may decrease.

What causes dry eye syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome has many causes. One of the most common causes is the normal aging process. Tear flow decreases as we get older. The condition is also a common complaint among long term contact lens wearers. Research has shown that DES is the leading cause of contact lens intolerance.

Thinning tear film may also be a side effect of taking medications such as antihistamines, birth control pills and anti-depressants. Individuals who are exposed to smoke or live in dry, dusty or windy climates often have Dry Eye Syndrome.

What are the symptoms?
The common symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome includes an itchy, burning, or scratchy sensation, redness, and/or blurred vision that improves with blinking. Excessive tearing is also a common symptom, due to irritation. Reflex tears which flood the eye are produced in response to a sudden irritation. Because reflex tears do not have the proper lubrication composition, discomfort persists. That is why “watery eyes” can actually be a symptom of Dry Eye Syndrome.

How is dry eye syndrome diagnosed?
The amount of tears your eyes produce, and the evaporation rate, can be measured by our experienced Dry Eye Syndrome specialists during your comprehensive eye examination at any of our convenient locations.

What are the treatment options?
Fortunately, there are several simple treatment options to manage this common problem.

Many people find relief simply by using artificial tears on a regular basis, available both over-the-counter and by prescription. Our doctors typically recommend preservative-free tears because they are the most smoothing and have fewer additives that can potentially irritate the eye.

For more severe conditions, the experienced specialists at Mann Eye Institute Dry Eye Clinic are able to open the tear drain in the eyelid with inserts known as Punctal Plugs. These special plugs trap tears on the surface of the eye, keeping the surface moist. This treatment option is available as either a temporary or permanent solution, depending on individual diagnosis. The treatment is quick, painless and totally reversible.

Simple lifestyle changes can help improve irritation from Dry Eye Syndrome as well. Drinking eight to ten glasses of water a day helps to flush impurities that can aggravate your eyes. Making a conscious effort to blink frequently also helps. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this will only aggravate dry eye symptoms.