Where to find it
American Academy of Ophthalmology: Google "aaog remedies dry eye"
Mayo Clinic: Google "mayo dry eye"
National Eye Institute: Google "nei dry eye facts"
Q. I've heard that people who live in Colorado have a higher incidence of dry eye. Is this true and if so can this be prevented?
A. Dry eye occurs when tears (a mixture of water, fatty oils and mucous) aren't able to provide adequate lubrication and protection for the surface of the eye. Common symptoms are stinging or burning sensations, a gritty feeling as though something is in the eye, pain or redness, and discharge. The condition can also lead to difficulty performing activities requiring sustained visual attention such as reading, driving or using a computer.
There are many causes of dry eye and these can be broken down into three categories:
Inability to produce enough tears. Common causes of decreased tear production include: aging, certain medications (for example some types of antihistamines, blood pressure medications, oral contraceptives, and anti-depressants) and some medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders and vitamin A deficiency.
Increased tear evaporation. Air at high altitudes (such as in Colorado) is very dry and this, along with other environmental factors such as smoke, wind and air pollution, can increase evaporation of tears. Another cause is blinking less often which tends to occur when concentrating, e.g., while reading, driving or looking at a computer screen.
Imbalance in the components of tears. Inflammatory skin or eyelid conditions can disrupt the function of the glands in the eyelids which produce the oily portion of tear composition.
Here are a few tips for preventing or reducing dry eye:
• Avoid air blowing in your eyes
• Add moisture to indoor air by using a humidifier
• Use air filters to reduce the effects of pollution
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to block wind
• Take breaks when concentrating for long periods of time
• When in a dry environment, close your eyes for a few minutes to reduce evaporation of tears
• Position your computer screen below eye level to prevent your eyes from opening wide
• Stop smoking and avoid smoky areas
• Use artificial tears if you have chronic dry eyes (Note: with frequent use, the preservatives in these drops may be irritating. Preservative-free single use vials are an option.)
• Eat foods containing omega-3 fatty acids such as salmon, anchovies, sardines and flax seeds
• Put warm compresses on your closed eyes to help release oils from your eyelid glands
If you have dry eye, consult with your doctor to determine the cause and appropriate treatment. Remember to bring a complete list of your medical conditions, medications (including all supplements and over-the-counter preparations), symptoms you have experienced, and questions you would like answered.
Grillo Center volunteer, Jean Stoenner, contributed research for this article.
Gerra Lewis volunteers with the Grillo Center, which offers free, confidential research to assist in health understanding and decisions. To use this service, contact us at grillocenterhealth.org, 720-854-7293 or 4715 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. No research or assistance should be interpreted as medical advice. We encourage informed consultation with your health care provider.