Adelson Eye - Chronic Dry Eye

	Dry Eye Prevention Methods:
	-	Wear wrap-around glasses in winter to keep our dry air
	-	Avoid exposure to smoke
	-	Use moisturizing eyedrops or ointments regularly.
	-	Get more Vitamin A! Lack of vitamin A causes all sorts of eye conditions, including blurry vision and faster natural aging of the eye.

Dry eye syndrome can usually be diagnosed by ophthalmologists with the patients' history alone, though the exam is confirmatory. On exam, the patient typically shows a reduced tear volume and rapid tear break-up time (the time for dry spots to occur on the cornea). Placement of fluorescent dye in the tear film allows the tear film to be better visualized. Some ophthalmologists will test tear production using specially prepared "tear-strips".

The severity of dry eye syndrome generally dictates the course of treatment. In most cases, the patient is recommended to use artificial tears in the eye on a regular basis, perhaps 4 times a day. If the condition is to be treated with artificial tears chronically, many ophthalmologists will recommend non-preserved artificial tears. A humidifier in the home, especially next to the bed at night has been found to be particularly helpful for many patients.

For those patients who fail to improve with artificial tears, or those who have a severe dry eye presentation, occlusion of the puncta (tear drainage openings) located in each of the four lids may be required. This usually entails simple insertion of a punctal plug into one or more of the tear drainage duct openings. This procedure is quick, simple, and often very effective in helping to relieve dry eye symptoms.

The tiny plugs, usually made of silicone or other inert material, can be inserted with little or no discomfort and are rarely felt by the patient afterwards.

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