Dry Eye Doctors In The Denver Metro Area
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Find relief with:
  • Eye drops
  • Medication
  • IPL Therapy
  • LipiFlow

Facts About Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome and its causes, symptoms, and treatments can sometimes seem confusing. Below are some explanations and facts about dry eye that might help you better understand this complex condition.

  • Dry eye syndrome can be difficult to diagnose, which is why it’s so important that you see an eye doctor, rather than try to identify it and treat it on your own.
  • Early detection and an accurate diagnosis of dry eye syndrome lead to the best outcomes.
  • Not everyone experiences the symptoms of dry eye in the same way, or describes the symptoms in the same way.
  • Eye doctors typically diagnose dry eye syndrome through a questionnaire, exam, and in-office testing.
  • An estimated 10-20% of people in the U.S. suffer from dry eye.
  • Dry eye syndrome can be caused by a lack of tear production, poor quality tears, and/or an increase in tear evaporation.
  • Common causes of dry eye syndrome include: contact lenses, medical conditions, medications, eye surgeries, eyelid problems, and heredity.
  • Nearly 75% of people over age 65 will experience dry eye syndrome.
  • There are three layers to healthy tear film: fatty oils, aqueous fluid, and mucus. If any of these layers are impacted, dry eye syndrome can be the result.
  • The technical term for tears is “aqueous fluid.”
  • Dry eye syndrome is also referred to as dry eye disease.
  • Dry eye syndrome is more common in post-menopausal women.
  • The meibomian glands in your eyes (which are located on the edges of your eyelids, near your eyelashes) produce an oil that helps keep your tears from drying up too quickly. If these glands become plugged up, dry eye can be the result.
  • An estimated 80% of dry eye syndrome cases are caused by meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
  • An estimated 30 million Americans have meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).
  • LipiFlow is a thermal pulsation device – used by eye doctors – to help unblock your meibomian glands.
  • Risk factors for dry eye syndrome include: aging, wearing contact lenses, LASIK surgery, and hormonal changes (due to birth control pills, pregnancy, or menopause).
  • The lacrimal puncta in your eyes act like “drains” and remove tears from your eyes. Punctal plugs or thermal cautery can provide relief for dry eye syndrome by plugging up these drains and helping preserve your tears.

For more information about dry eye syndrome or to schedule a consultation with an eye doctor, contact the eye care specialist that’s near you! 

XYZ Eye Clinic – Cherry Creek North (Denver)