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Dry Eye Syndrome FAQs

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.

The Mann Eye Institute is a leading eye care facility with six locations in Humble, the Museum District of Houston, Austin, Katy, Liberty and Cleveland, TX, specializing in Blade Free LASIK, utilizing the IntraLase laser and the Wavelight ALLEGRETTO WAVE Excimer Laser, cataract surgery, Crystalens, Conductive Keratoplasty (CK), Intacs, Verisyse IOL, the advanced treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome, laser surgery for Glaucoma, Retinal Problems, Botox® Cosmetic, and the medical/surgical treatment of eye disease.

Mann Eye Institute and Laser Center has invested in leading-edge technology to offer every Houston and Austin LASIK patient Blade Free LASIK. This procedure uses the IntraLase™ femtosecond laser and the advanced Allegretto Wave™ excimer laser. At their state-of-the-art Houston LASIK center, the surgeons of Mann Eye Institute have helped hundreds of Houston cataracts patients. In addition to serving Houston cataract surgery patients, Mann Eye also helps patients throughout the Houston and Austin, Texas areas.