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The cause of dry eye syndrome is unknown, but the disease affects approximately 77 million Americans. The disease becomes more common as we age, and is particularly common in women over the age of 35.
Dry eye syndrome affects women two to three times more often than men. This is thought to be related to hormones. Male hormones (such as testosterone) seem to be good for the tear glands, and female hormones (particularly estrogen) seem to be bad for the tear glands. In a recent study, women who were on hormone replacement therapy after menopause had up to a 70 percent higher risk for developing dry eyes than women not using hormone replacement therapy.
One particular form of dry eye syndrome occurs in patients with Sjögren’s syndrome. Patients with Sjögren’s syndrome suffer from dry eyes and dry mouth, because their bodies mistakenly produce small molecules that attack their moisture-producing glands, in addition to causing other problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Ninety percent of people with Sjögren’s syndrome are women.
Treatment options: For many dry eye sufferers, small changes in their daily habits can make the problem better, such as smoking cessation or making sure heating and air-conditioning ducts are aimed away from your face and eyes at home and at work. Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids can also improve dry eye symptoms. For others, tear replacement drops can help re-establish moisture to the eye or small plugs can be placed in the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining away too quickly. In addition, a new prescription medication called cyclosporin is now available.
Your doctor can help you develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
iLASIK, the revolutionary ALL-LASER surgical solution endorsed by top medical experts and the US military and astronaut programs can help adults reduce or eliminate their dependence on glasses or contact lenses. If you are seeking a Houston area LASIK specialist we are excited to introduce you to the ultimate in laser vision correction, it’s called the iLASIK™
