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An estimated 5 million Americans suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome, a group of disorders often characterized by insufficient tear production or excessive tear film evaporation. The condition is associated with the development of damage to the surface of the eye, particularly the cornea, the clear tissue covering the iris and pupil. Dry eye disorders can occur at any age in either sex, although it is most common in post-menopausal and older women. It is estimated that 3 million Americans - 90% being women have Sjogren's Syndrome, in which the lacrimal gland fails to produce adequate tear secretions, causing dry eye and/or dry mouth with or without an arthritic component. Allergy sufferers may be susceptible to Dry Eye, and contact lens wearers are also at risk; Dry Eye may preclude contact lens use. Patients with Dry Eye Syndromes experience chronic, unremitting and painful eye irritation, described as a sandy-gritty sensation that usually becomes worse as the day goes on. Some patients experience the inability to cry at emotional distress. In more advanced stages, patients may become sensitive to light. Dry Eye can also be caused by anatomical abnormalities, mucus deficiency, or corneal irregularity. Patients with the most severe disease are at increased risk of developing scarring of the cornea or even corneal ulceration. Decreased tear production may be caused by lacrimal gland disease, such as Keratoconjuctivitis sicca, which results in abnormal conditions in the thin layer of tear fluid in the surface of the eye. It may be caused by decreased corneal sensitivity, such as seen with neurotrophic keratitis or with certain kinds of contact lens wear. It may also be caused by Sjogren's Syndrome. Tear film evaporation can increase in patients with Meibomitis, the most common type of Blepharitis or inflammation of the lids. Tear film evaporation can also increase in patients with thyroid disease or patients with large palpebral fissure widths (large-appearing eyes). If patients develop dry eye in addition to Keratoconus, an abnormal bulging of the cornea, it may prevent them from wearing contact lenses needed to control the condition, possibly resulting in blindness. How is Dry Eye treated? The artificial tear solutions and ointments that are usually prescribed give some temporary relief, but do little to arrest or reverse any damaging conditions. In conditions like Sjogren's Syndrome, specific symptoms may be treated, but as yet there is no systemic means of treatment. Meibomitis, an inflammation affecting glands that secrete a component of the tear film, can be treated with Tetracycline and related drugs. For some forms of Dry Eye, tiny "plugs" can boost tears by slowing the normal rate of drainage from the eye.
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We are pleased to announce the addition of a Chatham Support Group which will be held monthly on the 4th Tuesday at the Chatham Housing Authority on Crowell Rd. The meeting is held from 10 am til 12 noon. New members are welcome, and transportation can be arranged for those who need it. Also, a second Falmouth-Bourne group meets at the John Wesley United Methodist Church on Gifford Street on the 3rd Friday of each month from 11 am - 1 pm. Transportation can be arranged for those who need it. |
