Dry Eye Disease: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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Did you know: Dry eye affects more than 38 million people in the US? If you suspect you are among the millions of Americans who suffer from dry eye and can dry eyes cause blindness, let’s take a closer look.

What Causes Dry Eye Disease And Can Dry Eyes Cause Blindness:

 
Dry eye disease is a chronic, multifactorial disease of the ocular surface characterized by a loss of homeostasis of the tear film. Causes of dry eye disease are:
  • Age (prevalent in >50 years)
  • Gender (common amongst women and during menopause or hormonal changes)
  • Some medical conditions such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and vitamin A deficiency
  • Reduced blinking due to computer or video screen usage
  • Some medications, such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, blood pressure medications, Parkinson’s disease medications, birth control pills, and antidepressants, may lead to dry eye disease
  • Skin disease around or on the eyelids
  • Meibomian gland dysfunction
  • Allergies

What Symptoms Should You Look For?

Dry eye disease ranks high among the annual incidences of ocular disorders in the US adult population. Here are five common symptoms:

  • A burning, stinging, or feeling of pressure in the eyes
  • Pain
  • A scratchy sensation (foreign body sensation)
  • Intermittent blurry vision
  • Eye Fatigue
Can dry eyes cause blindness? If you are experiencing symptoms there are rare chances that dry eye can cause blindness. Please consult your eye care professional.

Dry Eyes Cause Blindness: The Latest Treatment for Dry Eye Disease

The tear film is important in protecting the ocular surface and maintaining clear vision. Dry eye disease can lead to a vicious cycle when the tear film is disrupted.

If your eye care professional believes based on your examination that you are suffering from risk factors for dry eye disease, we may recommend a prescription medication called Tyrvaya. Tyrvaya is a prescription nasal spray indicated for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. It is the first and only nasal spray for dry eye disease designed to activate natural tear film production in 4 weeks.

dry eyes blindness-Tyrvaya nasal spray

Tyrvaya is administered once in each nostril twice daily (approximately 12 hours apart). Our patients are seeing an increase in natural tear production between 5 minutes after administration and 12 weeks of use. We recommend Tyrvaya because it avoids applying medication to an already irritated ocular surface and allows patients to keep contact in during administration.

Ready to learn more?

The key is within your consultation. Our doctors are prepared to answer questions, address concerns and help bring back your eye’s natural tears with Tyrvaya! To schedule an appointment, please call us at 318-703-5655!
Shreveport Eye Specialists - LASIK

Dr. Russ Van Norman and Team,
Shreveport Eye Specialists