VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron NO TEARS SHED What most people refer to as "tears," eye-care professionals call "tear film." More than a collection of drops of salty water, tear film is a complex mixture of substances produced by glands and structures surrounding the eye. Tear production tends to diminish with age, as a symptom of certain medical conditions or as a side effect of some medicines. Environmental conditions such as wind and dry climates can also decrease tear volume due to tear evaporation. "Dry eye syndrome" occurs when there is an inadequate amount of tears or with poor quality tears. Mild cases of dry eyes can usually be managed with over-the-counter artificial tear solutions, which can be used as often as needed to supplement natural tear production. Speak to your eye doctor to discuss the cause of your dry eye and the best remedy for you. Even when it comes to the seemingly straightforward treatments like over-the-counter eye drops, they aren't all the same. Different ingredients are tailored towards different causes of dry eye. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, your 20/20 vision is our mission. P.S. Preservative-free artificial tear solutions are recommended because they contain fewer additives, which can further irritate the eyes SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron NO TEARS SHED What most people refer to as "tears," eye-care professionals call "tear film." More than a collection of drops of salty water, tear film is a complex mixture of substances produced by glands and structures surrounding the eye. Tear production tends to diminish with age, as a symptom of certain medical conditions or as a side effect of some medicines. Environmental conditions such as wind and dry climates can also decrease tear volume due to tear evaporation. "Dry eye syndrome" occurs when there is an inadequate amount of tears or with poor quality tears. Mild cases of dry eyes can usually be managed with over-the-counter artificial tear solutions, which can be used as often as needed to supplement natural tear production. Speak to your eye doctor to discuss the cause of your dry eye and the best remedy for you. Even when it comes to the seemingly straightforward treatments like over-the-counter eye drops, they aren't all the same. Different ingredients are tailored towards different causes of dry eye. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, your 20/20 vision is our mission. P.S. Preservative-free artificial tear solutions are recommended because they contain fewer additives, which can further irritate the eyes SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com