Dry, scratchy and irritable eyes are the most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
Others experiencing dry eyes report blurred vision, excessive eye watering and redness.
Dr. Lee and the staff at Midtown Optometry have seen the number of dry eye cases
dramatically increase in the last couple of years and have been successful at relieving the
symptoms of dry eye syndrome for their patients.

Dry eye syndrome is usually the result of diminished tear production or a lack of fluid on
the surface of the eye:

1. Environment: High altitudes, dry/ windy conditions, and forced heating/
air conditioning can increase the tear evaporation from your eyes.
2. Aging: Tear production decreases with age. Often the volume of constant tears
at age 65 is less than half than at age 18.
3. Incomplete blinking: When you blink, you spread tears across your eyes in a
sweeping motion which guides your tears toward the nose to flow into drainage
ducts. If the tear drainage ducts are over active, then dry eyes and nasal
congestion often result.
4. Contact lenses: Contact lenses can increase the evaporation of tears, leading to
increased contact lens irritation and infection.
5. Medications: Some medications decrease the body's ability to produce tears.
Some of these are decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure and heart
medicines.
6. Occupations: Some occupations require a lot of reading and/or computer work.
Statistics show these types of duties decrease blink rate, which reduces the
amount of tear spread on the eye.

Eyes are lubricated by two different types of tears produced by the tear glands in the
upper and lower eyelids. Constant tears are continually produced to lubricate the eye at
all times and contain natural antibiotics to fight infections. Reflex tears are only produced
in response to irritation, injury or emotion to help rinse the surface of the eye.

Inside the corner of the eye, a tiny hole exists, which is called the punctum. This is the
opening to the tear ducts. Tear glands are like a faucet and the tear ducts are the
drainpipes. Dry eye syndrome is best relieved when soft silicone plugs, called punctal
plugs, are inserted into the punctum to stop the outflow of tears. Punctal plugs create a
reservoir effect – keeping eyes moist with natural tears.

In order to determine if punctal plugs are the right treatment of your dry eyes, Dr. Lee
will first utilize temporary, dissolvable plugs. These temporary plugs will allow you the
opportunity to experience the relief punctal plugs provide. If your dry eye conditions
improve with the use of temporary plugs, permanent punctal plugs are inserted. Punctal
plugs are quickly and painlessly inserted with topical anesthesia. The plugs are very safe,
and can even be removed if necessary.

If you or anyone in your family suffers from dry, scratchy, irritated eyes or are tired of
the daily eye drop regime, contact Dr. Lee at Midtown Optometry at 209-957-8000 to see if
punctal plugs are right for you.