How do I know if I have dry eyes?

[desertcry]

Hi,

I havenīt seen an eye doctor yet but how do I know if I have dry eye problems? I have a constant feeling of irritation in one eye under the eye lid. It does also feel scratchy. Could it be the eye lid itself or an infection?

I do wake up with very dry eyes. Why do the eyes get dry during sleep?

On monday Iīm going to see an eye doctor. What information do I need to tell and what questions should I ask?

Thanks,
Desert Cry

[Terri]

If you wake up with dry, irritated eyes, you might have lagophthalmos. That's a condition in which your eyes open slightly during the night, sometimes even imperceptibly, causing your eyes to dry out from exposure. It's frequently hard to determine whether or not you have it, since you're asleep at the time! Try adding a good eye drop (like Dwelle) to your eyes and then taping your eyes shut with a good surgical tape before falling asleep. If they feel better the next morning, you may have this condition. It can also cause the gritty feeling under the eyelid that you describe.

[Rebecca Petris]

I havenīt seen an eye doctor yet but how do I know if I have dry eye problems? I have a constant feeling of irritation in one eye under the eye lid. It does also feel scratchy. Could it be the eye lid itself or an infection?

Many symptoms of dry eye can overlap with symptoms of other conditions. So you really can't know until you see the doctor. Just a cautionary note, if it is dry eye (which is actually a misnomer... there are many conditions that can contribute to dry eye symptoms) it's not always as simple as being told "You have dry eyes". That's why it's great that you are wanting to go prepared with questions so that you can gain as much as possible from the upcoming appointment.

I do wake up with very dry eyes. Why do the eyes get dry during sleep?

Tear secretion rate drops during the night, and, as Terri has said, there may be lid closure problems.

On monday Iīm going to see an eye doctor. What information do I need to tell and what questions should I ask?

Be prepared to describe your symptoms carefully (see this link in case you are experiencing anything more than night dry eye).

Be proactive about drawing attention to any medications you are on, and any changes in your health or environment that could play a role (medications you're taking? hormonal fluctuation? contact lens issues? change of home or workplace? change in any products used anywhere near the eyes?)

Ask for dry eye testing including Schirmer, staining, TBUT, and ask the doctor to examine your eyelids for signs of blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction.

If you are given any prescription medications, ask the doctor to explain to you the role of that medication and how, specifically, it relates to your diagnosis.

[desertcry]

update

Hi all,

Well I went to an eye doctor today and she confirmed that I have dry eyes. She said very dry eyes and especially the center is dry. She said it's one of the symptoms of PRK laser operation. I'm not sure what test she did. She put something that stings in my eye.

I was given "Oculotect unidose". (Polyvidon, conversative free), and told to drip 2 to 3 times a day.

I'm not really sure what to make of this news. Hopefully the drops will help.

Desert Cry

[sazy123]

Hi,

I havenīt seen an eye doctor yet but how do I know if I have dry eye problems? I have a constant feeling of irritation in one eye under the eye lid. It does also feel scratchy. Could it be the eye lid itself or an infection?

I do wake up with very dry eyes. Why do the eyes get dry during sleep?

On monday Iīm going to see an eye doctor. What information do I need to tell and what questions should I ask?

Thanks,
Desert Cry

blinking creates tears, when you sleep you dont blink- so less tears are produced like rebecca said, so your eyes dry out alot easier- for the already dry eye you notice it, whereas non dry eye it usually secrets enough tears during the night not to dry out.