Dry Eye Clinic

If you suffer from dry eyes, you are not alone. Dry eye disease is a common problem that affects millions of Americans of all ages. If you have ever experienced sore, red, itchy eyes or had trouble wearing contact lenses, you may have dry eye. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help prevent and manage this condition. Our dry eye experts at Moorhead Vision Associates will look into your condition and give you comfort.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition where your tears do not produce adequate lubrication for your eyes. Your eyes need lubrication to see well and feel healthy. Tears keep the eye moist and wash away dirt and harmful microorganisms.
Tears are composed of three layers: an oily layer, an aqueous layer, and a mucus layer. Each tear layer serves a vital function.

• The oily layer coats the outside and keeps the tear from evaporating prematurely.
• The aqueous layer takes up most of the eye and washes away particles.
• The mucus layer is in the core of the tear and helps the tear stick to the eye.

Each tear layer is produced by a gland on or near the eye. Any dysfunction of these components can cause tear instability, which leads to Dry Eye Disease.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Symptoms of dry eye disease depend vary from each person. Almost every adult has experienced symptoms of dry eyes. However, not everyone experiences discomfort. Some dry eye symptoms include:

• Stinging or Burning
• Excessive Tearing
• Discharge
• Pain
• Redness
• Feeling like Something Is in Your Eye
• Blurry or Fluctuating Vision
• Itchy Sensation

If left untreated, dry eye could increase in severity and lead to fluctuating vision, reduced sharpness, and scarring of the cornea.

Our vision and eye health is dependent on our tear film which is comprised of a mucin layer, a water layer and an oil layer. Some of us do not make enough aqueous tears for the water layer and many of us do not make enough lipid tears for the oil layer of the tear film which results in dry eye disease.

Dry Eye Causes

Many factors can influence the onset of dry eye. One common cause we increasingly see is a computer, smartphone, or other electronic device used for an extended time. When we look at digital screens, we tend to blink less, which leads to tear evaporation and dry eye.

Some other common causes of dry eye include:

• Contact Lens Wear
• Indoor and Outdoor Environments
• Smoking or Vaping
• Aging
• Medication
• Diet
• Eyelid Hygiene

What is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) refers to the decreased function of the glands in our eyelids that secrete the oil layer of our tears. The pores/openings of the glands are immediately behind the eyelashes, so each time we blink and touch our eyelids together, the force of the touch squeezes oil from the glands.

Since oil floats on top of water, it acts as a protective layer which prevents the water beneath from evaporating too quickly. Many factors can contribute to the decrease of meibomian gland function.

• Blinking

Most of us don't blink often enough or completely & as a result, little to no oil is released from the meibomian glands contributing to blockage.

• Aging

As we age, the oil in the glands becomes thicker & meibomian glands degenerate.

• Omega-3

There is also evidence that too few dietary omega-3s contributes to the problem.