Joel Kestenbaum O.D. is a VSP provider in Long Island, NY.

VSP provider Joel Kestenbaum, O.D. from Long Island N.Y.  provides an overview of dry eye syndrome

Tears bathe our eyes to keep them nourished and usually do not leak down the cheek.  Why is that?  On the other hand, why do tears sometimes flow in such abundance that we must wipe them away?

Various glands in and around the eyelid produce the tears.  Microscopic glands produce the tears that are composed of water, oil, mucous and an abundance of nutrients.  If one of the components of the tears is not produced in the exact amounts, the tears become either too wet or too dry.

A common complaint in my office, especially as people age, is that tears run down the cheek.  Usually excess tear production occurs because the microscopic glands in the lid that produce the normal water part of the tears are not producing enough.  In response, the one large gland, the lacrimal gland, that normally secretes a lot of tears when we cry produces too much water so we drip.  This is classic dry eye syndrome.  Are you confused yet?

Among the many signs of dry eye include the eyes feeling scratchy, itchy, gritty, burny, looking red or pink, light sensitivity, vision complaints.

Dry eye treatment mostly consists of using artificial tears or tear substitutes.  There is also an FDA approved prescription eye drop, Restasis, which can help the tiny glands in the eyelid to increase its tear production.  Your eye doctor can make diagnosis of dry eye and offer treatment as needed.  Keep your eyes healthy.  Have your eyes examined regularly.

Dr. Joel Kestenbaum
www.optixeyecare.com

Photo from virtualmedicalcenter.com