Doctors
Dr. Brian Stahl
Dr. James Knowles
Laser Vision Correction
CustomVision™
LASIK
PRK
Frequent Questions
Glossary of Terms
Refractive Lens Exchange
ReSTOR
ReZoom
Crystalens
Financing
18 Months No Interest
Low Monthly Paymt
Fees & Ways to Pay
Out of State Discount

Directions
Stahl Vision Center
Map
Other Eye
Conditions
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Diabetes
Dry Eyes

World Missions †
Nicaragua
Bolivia
Guatemala

Dry Eyes, Prevention and Treatment

     Dryness of our eyes is a very common condition effecting young and old alike.  Often times dryness of the eyes is first noted as scratchy feeling, red, irritated eyes that water a lot.  Often times the watering is so prominent that people are surprised to learn that dryness is the underlying problem.  The problem is often at its worse with prolonged reading, out in the wind and cold, upon awakening, and during the dry winter months.

     Tears form a protective layer on the front surface of the eye, the cornea.  This tear film serves to keep the eye clear optically, rinses the eye, and helps to prevent infections.  The normal tears that bathe the eye are made by glands found in the white part of the eye, the conjunctiva.

     These tears are supplemented by oil from glands of the lid and mucous from goblet cells in the conjunctiva to make up the complete normal tear film.  When the eyes become irritated or when we cry, tears from the lacrimal gland flood the eye.  Although these tears are effective at rinsing the eye, they are poor in quality, and may make the eye red and more sensitive to irritation.  Often this watering triggers a low grade eyelash infection which compounds the dry eye problem.  This infection, called blepharitis, breaks down the oil layer of the tears allowing your eyes to dry even more rapidly.  Symptoms of blepharitis include crusting of the lashes, red lid margins, and a burning sensation.

     Dry eyes are more common as we grow older, and is very common in post-menopausal women.  Other conditions that are associated with dry eyes include arthritis, thyroid problems, and acne rosecea.  Drugs and medications including antihistamines and anti-depressants often worsen dryness.  Many patients notice extra dryness for several weeks after eye surgery.

     Treatment for dry eyes and blepharitis is usually done in stages, with most people responding to a few simple steps.

     Important Note:  patients who are having laser eye surgery (LASIK, PRK) or who have had laser eye surgery within the last 3 months, should ONLY use non-preserved tears that come in individual dropperettes.  DO NOT use any bottled tears, even if they say non-preserved.  Here at Stahl Vision we start all patients on Step One below before surgery, and continue the non-preserved tears and oral FLAX seed capsules for 3 months after surgery.

 Step One:

• Use artificial tears four times daily. 

• Take oral FLAX seed capsules twice a day.

• Clean your eye lashes with a wash cloth morning and night.

 Step Two:

• Your doctor can insert tear drain plugs to keep your tears around longer.

• Switch to non-preserved tears 8 times daily.

• Use an ointment at bedtime and run a humidifier in the bedroom.

 Step Three:

• Continue steps one and two

• Trial of prescription eye drop Restasis twice daily.

• Trial of oral doxycycline.

  Stahl Vision- building better vision, one patient at a time...