Dry Eye Subtypes...
OSD (Dry Eye) Diseases
BLEPHARITIS
Questions...
- Do your eyelashes fall out easily and not grow back?
- Do you have pink rims around your eyes?
- Do you have debris along your eyelashes?
- Do your eyes feel scratchy, itchy, or feel like an eyelash is in your eye?
These are all signs of blepharitis, a chronic inflammation of the eye lids that is frequently seen in children, or in seniors. Often you can see the debris along the eyelashes.
There are two types: seborrheic and demodex (an organism that lives on the skin and inside eyelash glands).
A good hygiene regime that includes tea tree oil products will to help keep this under control if they are used daily. When treating demodex, you also have to wash your linens every two weeks, and come in for a minimum of two professional in office treatments.
MEIBOMIAN GLAND DYSFUNCTION (MGD)
The Details...
MGD, the most common cause of dry eye, is due to blockage of oil producing glands. When severely blocked, you may see the “white caps” at the openings along the lid. This deficiency allows faster tear evaporation. Healthy fat intake may help this oil gland.
Sometimes, you are prone to “styes” which means these glands have become infected. Occasionally, this requires treatment with oral antibiotics. Hot compresses and massage over top of the lump, will help if done as soon as you see or feel a bump.
AQUEOUS DEFICIENT DRY EYE
The 2nd type...
The surface of the eye needs to keep wet. If it dries out, it makes things appear blurry and can cause fluctuating vision throughout the day. If your lid is rubbing against your eye without any lubrication, the lid margin will get irritated, red and swollen. This condition is like using a windshield wiper without any washer fluid that wears along the edge. Dehydration, or environmental causes like air conditioning or heaters can make this worse.
SJOGREN’S SYNDROME
The Details...
SJOGREN’S SYNDROME is a autoimmune disease with symptoms of dry mouth along with dry eye, and sometimes multiple organs may be affected. Special tests for severe dry eye, blood tests, and a biopsy helps to confirm the diagnosis for your rheumatologist. After a personal consultation, a treatment plan will be customized to help you fight this debilitating AND vision threatening disease.
OCULAR ROSACEA
The Info...
In a condition called ocular rosacea, blood vessels can grow across the lid margin which physically blocks the glands. Frequently, there are also fine spider lines along the cheeks and nose. These signs of inflammation need to be controlled with therapy in order to stop progression. Only cosmetic surgery called IPL can reverse this condition.
If you see little micro divets along your lid, those glands are degenerating and scarring. Now these glands cannot make tears anymore.
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