What is Dry Eye?

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Dry Eye Disease is a general term used for a multitude of problems on the surface of the eye. The main contributor of dry eye disease is bacteria build up that begins from the day we are born. Over time that bacteria build-up leads to a severe cascade of events that leads to that dry eye or ocular surface disease that leads to symptoms such as:

• burning sensation

• foreign body sensation

• grittiness or sand-like feeling

• dry eyes

• watery eyes

• light sensitivity

• blurry vision

• and more!

The cascade begins with bacteria build up that develops into something called Blepharitis. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids. This inflammation of the eyelids over time begins to lead to more problems such as Demodex, also known as eyelash mites. These eyelash mites are very difficult to get rid of without professional medical intervention.

Once bacteria is introduced to the eye’s surface we begin to see changes in the tear film which is what leads to the dry eye symptoms and more severe types of dry eye.

Our tear film is a delicate balance of 3 layers:

• Oil Layer

• Mucin Layer

• Aqueous Layer

When any one of those layers is out of balance, we begin to notice those dry eye symptoms mentioned above.

Getting the tear film back into that delicate balance takes patience and finding the right treatment plan.

Schedule your Dry Eye Consult today!