VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron and Dr. Michelle Skowron WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE? Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes don't produce sufficient tears. Tears normally have three components: a top oil layer, a middle water layer, and a bottom mucus layer. The three components must be produced in the right amounts for the eyes to stay properly hydrated, lubricated, and healthy. Dry eye causes are wide- ranging. Blocked or diseased eye oil glands often play a role, while natural aging, environmental conditions, other eye conditions, allergies, eye trauma, and certain medications can also contribute. Left untreated, dry eye can damage the eye tissue and vision. Many cases can be managed with artificial tears (eyedrops). A successful treatment plan will include identifying and changing conditions that are causing the dry eye problem. Ironically, one of the symptoms of dry eye is excessive watering or tearing. Excessive tearing is a natural response to irritation of the cornea from poor quality tear production. This is why so many people with watering eyes are so surprised when they are told that their symptoms are diagnosed as dry eye. To schedule an eye exam, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. We help you maintain a lifetime of healthy, clear, comfortable vision by using the latest technology. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision. P.S. One of the symptoms of dry eye is excessively watery eyes. It occurs when the irritation of the cornea from low tear production causes the eyes to produce extra tears. SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron and Dr. Michelle Skowron WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE ? Dry eye is a condition in which the eyes don't produce sufficient tears . Tears normally have three components : a top oil layer , a middle water layer , and a bottom mucus layer . The three components must be produced in the right amounts for the eyes to stay properly hydrated , lubricated , and healthy . Dry eye causes are wide ranging . Blocked or diseased eye oil glands often play a role , while natural aging , environmental conditions , other eye conditions , allergies , eye trauma , and certain medications can also contribute . Left untreated , dry eye can damage the eye tissue and vision . Many cases can be managed with artificial tears ( eyedrops ) . A successful treatment plan will include identifying and changing conditions that are causing the dry eye problem . Ironically , one of the symptoms of dry eye is excessive watering or tearing . Excessive tearing is a natural response to irritation of the cornea from poor quality tear production . This is why so many people with watering eyes are so surprised when they are told that their symptoms are diagnosed as dry eye . To schedule an eye exam , please call SKOWRON EYE CARE . We help you maintain a lifetime of healthy , clear , comfortable vision by using the latest technology . At Skowron Eye Care , our mission is your vision . P.S. One of the symptoms of dry eye is excessively watery eyes . It occurs when the irritation of the cornea from low tear production causes the eyes to produce extra tears . SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York , Elmhurst , IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com