Dry eye prone to toxic side effects

Dear Dr. Donya,

I read your article regarding conjunctivitis a few months ago and after that I informed my doctor about it. I have a problem with my eyes that is very similar to the problems you wrote about in your article.

However, the eye specialist examined my eyes and concluded that it was a dry eye condition. According to the doctor it was caused neither by bacterial nor viral infections. I sought another physician who gave me antibiotic eyedrops (such as polidemisin, naphon-A, xitrol, centrin). These too have offered no relief.

The problem is, even after using many kinds of eye lubricants and antibiotic drops (as mentioned above) such as Lyteers, Refresh, Cellufresh and many more, the problem has persisted. Another thing that has come to my attention is that my girlfriend's eyes are starting to show the same problem.

The problems are: having irritated, pinkish eyes, which often become very red; in the morning (when waking up) the eyes feel dry, irritated, even glued. Could you please advise me on what action or medicine I should take?

A million thanks.

--Ferianto

Dear Ferianto,

It sounds like dry eye symptoms. Dry eye is actually a collection of symptoms arising from an imbalance in the quantity or quality of tears.

These symptoms include dry, red, gritty, and even watery eyes. Often, the feeling of a foreign body within the eye or eye strain is reported. Some people do not produce enough tears to keep the eyes comfortable.

The usual symptoms include: stinging or burning eyes, scratchiness, stringy mucus in or around the eyes, eye irritation from smoke or wind, excess tearing and difficulty wearing contact lenses.

Excess tearing from "dry eye" sounds illogical, but if the tears responsible for maintenance lubrication do not keep the eye wet enough, the eye becomes irritated. When the eye is irritated, the lachrymal (tear) gland produces a large volume of tears, which overwhelms the tear drainage system. These excess tears then overflow from your eye.

It can be diagnosed by examining the eyes. Sometimes tests that measure tear production may be necessary. There are a few tests that can be performed by an ophthalmologist. A wide variety of common medications can cause dry eye by reducing tear secretion; also working at a computer for a long time or wearing contact lens can cause dry eye symptoms.

People with dry eye are often more prone to the toxic side- effects of eye medication, including artificial tears. For example, the preservatives in certain eyedrops and artificial tear preparations can irritate the eye.

Special preservative-free artificial tears may be required. In your case, I would recommend you stop using antibiotic drops and recheck with an eye specialist, using prescription eyedrops.

Take care, and good luck.

--Dr. Donya