If your eyes feel dry, sandy, or gritty, you may have dry eye syndrome. Other symptoms include: burning, mucous discharge, tearing and contact lens discomfort. Dry Eye Syndrome is very common, especially in post-menopausal women.

Many medications also cause the eye to produce fewer tears. These include antihistamines, Valium, Librium and other tranquilizers, beta blockers (used for high blood pressure and heart problems) and hormone replacement therapy. Recent studies show that for post-menopausal women, estrogen alone caused significantly more dry eye symptoms than estrogen combined with progesterone/progestin.

Sjogren's Syndrome should be ruled out by your doctor or rheumatologist if you have severe dry eye or if you also have a dry mouth.

Eye drops, called artificial tears, may provide temporary relief from these symptoms. For many people, however, the artificial tears are not enough.

MaxiTears is a vitamin supplement that increases tear production and helps to reduce dry eye symptoms. MaxiTears includes Omega 3's, anti-inflammatory agents and a mucin complex to help reduce evaporation of tears. Four capsules should be taken daily; and, it may take one month of continued use before results can be noticed. MaxiTears is available for purchase at Arnold EyeCare Center.

Punctal Occlusion is a simple in-office procedure which helps to relieve dry eye symptoms. Small dissolvable plugs are inserted into the tear drainage ducts. The plugs dissolve in four to seven days. If you experience relief from your symptoms during this test period, then non-dissolvable plugs may be inserted non-surgically. By inserting the plugs and blocking the ducts, more of your natural tears bathe and soothe your eyes.

The insertion of the plugs is a painless, simple procedure. It is done in our office and takes about ten minutes. There is no blurred vision or restriction of activity afterward. Each eye has two tear drainage ducts: upper and lower. Many times we only have to occlude one duct of each eye. In severe cases, both ducts on each eye may need to be blocked.

Many medical insurance plans will cover or reimburse you for this medical procedure. Consult with your plan for these codes: - Procedure code 68761-50 and supply code A4263. - Diagnosis code 375.15 (Dry Eye Syndrome)

Restasis is a prescription eye drop that helps to relieve the symptoms of dry eye. It must be used twice daily over a period of 1-3 months before improvement may be seen.

If you have dry eyes that are disturbing your lifestyle and keeping you from wearing contact lenses, call the doctors at Arnold EyeCare Center to schedule an appointment!