Dry Eye Disease

Your age, gender and medical history may increase your risk for developing dry eye

Dry eye disease, also known as dry eye syndrome, occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or when the tears you produce are not of adequate quality — or both. Treatment focuses on increasing moisture and improving tear quality.

Symptoms of dry eye disease

Dry eye typically affects both eyes. Symptoms may include:

• Persistent dryness
• Periods of watery eyes followed by dryness
• Burning or stinging sensation
• Red, irritated eyes with a scratchy feeling
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Feeling like something is in your eye
• Stringy discharge
• Eye fatigue

Risk factors for dry eye

Certain factors can increase your risk, including:

• Age: Tear production decreases naturally with age
• Gender: Women, especially during pregnancy or menopause, are at higher risk
• Refractive history: Long-term contact lens use or LASIK surgery
• Medications: Including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants and blood pressure medications
• Medical conditions: Such as diabetes, thyroid disease and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or Sjögren’s syndrome

Treatments for dry eye

Depending on your symptoms, treatment may include:

• Artificial tears
• Lubricating eye ointments
• Eyelid hygiene (lid scrubs)
• Warm compresses
• Prescription drops such as Restasis®
• Punctal plugs (tear duct plugs)
• Omega-3 and omega-6 supplements (fish oil or flaxseed)

Advanced treatment options for severe dry eye

For patients with severe dry eye that does not respond to standard treatments, Henry Ford also offers:

1. Autologous serum eye drops: Made from your own blood, these drops contain nutrients and growth factors that help support healing on the surface of the eye.
2. BostonSight® PROSE lens: A custom-designed device that holds a reservoir of fluid over the eye, keeping the cornea continuously hydrated.

At Henry Ford, patients come first

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology provides compassionate, personalized care using the most advanced treatments available. We are dedicated to vision research and remain at the forefront of innovation. As one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients each year at 12 locations throughout southeast Michigan. Our team also collaborates across specialties to provide coordinated, multidisciplinary care.