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Dry Eye Diagnosis
From the desk of Dr. Peg:
Dry Eye Diagnosis
It has been dry in this area of Florida for quite a while, and we appreciate the rain. It is raining this morning, a soft gentle rain that has lasted for hours. This is not typical in this area. Usually we get bursts of intense rain and then sunshine. This is a little like dry eyes, some people suffer from a chronic, consistent irritation, others have short episodes that vary in intensity.
There are many challenges in the diagnosing and treatment of dry eyes. There is not one definitive diagnostic test that will reliably distinguish between those WITH dry eyes and those without. Also, there is no consensus as to which test or tests should be used to definitively diagnose dry eyes. I mentioned in the last blog that the estimated incidence of dry eye is anywhere between 5% and 30%, depending on the study one reads. The generally accepted consensus is that older women seem to be more predisposed to dry eyes than the rest of the population, though millions of people suffer from this condition.
Another challenge is that the natural history, such as progression, prognosis and long term effects of treatment, is unknown. This can confound the decisions made regarding the treatment path to take.
Dry eye is a symptomatic disease which affects the activities of daily living. This can have an adverse impact on reading, driving, working on the computer and can also affect your level of comfort throughout the day.
Being a symptomatic disease with such variability in the diagnosis, one of the best ways to deal with dry eye is prevention and symptomatic relief.
EyeScience Dry Eye formula is one thing that may improve the symptoms of dry and could provide long lasting relief. This formula contains omega-3 fatty acids that have been demonstrated to decrease the risk of dry eye in some women.1 This is important in light of the fact that many people who have dry eye do not have adequate intake of omega-3 in their diet.
It is interesting to note a new study that suggests the possibility of gender specific omega-3 roles. This study, published in Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, suggests that males may benefit more from eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation while females are more responsive to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These findings may change how omega-3’s are delivered and formulated in dietary supplements in the future. EyeScience Dry Eye formula has both.
There is a study that is recruiting participants being conducted by Penn State assessing the use of an omega-3 supplement in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. This new study is using a corn oil capsule as a placebo control. The hope is that a longer study with significantly more participants will give a definitive answer in the use of omega-3 to prevent and treat dry eyes.
The rain has stopped, but the need for real answers in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of dry eyes remains. As always, prevention may be the best defense.
Be well.
Dr. Peg
Dry Eyes and Quality of Life
From the desk of Dr. Peg:
Dry Eyes and Quality of Life
Late summer in Florida is far from dry. The humidity, along with the temperature, is often in the 90’s. Though this far from comfortable, we find comfort in the consistency of the ocean breeze and the presence of water everywhere.
With dry eyes and dry eye symptoms, there is not water everywhere. The definition of dry eyes, or dry eye syndrome (DES) is a disorder of the tear film due to tear deficiency or excess tear evaporation which can cause damage to the cornea, which is the front surface of the eye. This causes ocular discomfort and visual disturbance in the form of dryness, and a scratchy, gritty or sandy feeling. Other symptoms of dry eye can include pain, light sensitivity, itching and/or redness. These symptoms can be intermittent or cause constant irritation.
Dry eyes can be caused by a number of situations. Environmental factors such as air conditioning, heating in the winter, windy conditions and smoke can cause dry eyes. Systemic conditions can cause dry eyes, such as hormonal changes, menopause, Sjogrens syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and other collagen vascular diseases. Dry eyes can be a side effect of certain medications like antihistamines and birth control pills.
The prevalence of dry eye is from 5% to 30% in people 50 years old or older. Many people may have dry eyes and only realize it when there is some contributing factor such as low humidity, being in an air conditioned environment or contact lens wear.
The American Journal of Ophthalmology reported that dry eye syndrome is one of the most common ocular problems in the United States. In a survey of nearly 40,000 women conducted in 2003, it was determined that approximately 3.2 million women aged 50 and older suffer from dry eyes.1 Yet, many people in their 40‘s and 50‘s also experience dry eyes. It was also noted in this same survey that there was a slightly higher incidence of women reporting symptoms of dry eye in the south.
Artificial tears and ointments, oral medications and minor surgical procedures are all used to treat dry eyes. EyeScience Labs Dry Eye formula may be one way to help alleviate the symptoms of dry eyes. Key ingredients such as omega-3, flax seed oil, vitamin E and other nutrients, have been shown in some studies to provide symptomatic relief of dry eyes. This formulation is designed to address the causes of dry eyes through antioxidants and essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 sources.
Dry eyes affect quality of life and have an impact on public health. More research is required to determine more precisely what that impact is. Certainly, anything that can cause constant irritation, and affect the way we see the world and accomplish our daily tasks is a significant detriment to our quality of life.
Be well.
Dr. Peg
Reference: 1. Am J Ophthalmol. 2003 Aug;136(2):318-26.
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