Eye Conditions

Dry Eye Syndrome

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Every time you blink, a thin tear film is swept over the eye surface that is essential to lubricate, moisturise and provide protection to the eye surface.

To maintain eye comfort and health, this tear film needs to remain intact between blinks and meibomian glands in the eyelids secrete oils to slow evaporation of these tears.

Dry eye syndrome is a common chronic condition that occurs when natural tears aren’t able to provide adequate moisture or they evaporate too quickly.

Over time, the resulting dryness can lead to inflammation and damage of the eye’s surface.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of dry eye can vary and it is commonly confused with other conditions, such as allergies.

  • Occasional blurred vision
  • Eye fatigue or tiredness
  • Stinging or a burning sensation
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Redness or inflammation of the eye surface
  • Feeling of grittiness or something in eye
  • Itchy eyes, particularly in corners
  • Mucus in or around your eyes
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Depression

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Every time you blink, a thin tear film is swept over the eye surface that is essential to lubricate, moisturise and provide protection to the eye surface.

To maintain eye comfort and health, this tear film needs to remain intact between blinks and meibomian glands in the eyelids secrete oils to slow evaporation of these tears.

Dry eye syndrome is a common chronic condition that occurs when natural tears aren’t able to provide adequate moisture or they evaporate too quickly.

Over time, the resulting dryness can lead to inflammation and damage of the eye’s surface.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of dry eye can vary and it is commonly confused with other conditions, such as allergies.

  • Occasional blurred vision
  • Eye fatigue or tiredness
  • Stinging or a burning sensation
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Redness or inflammation of the eye surface
  • Feeling of grittiness or something in eye
  • Itchy eyes, particularly in corners
  • Mucus in or around your eyes
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Depression

What causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye can affect anyone, but is more common as we get older as we naturally produce a smaller volume of tears. It is particularly common in postmenopausal women and people with arthritis.

Other risk factors include:

  • Medication – including oral contraceptives, antidepressants, antihistamines, diuretics and beta-blockers
  • Climatic conditions – such as dry air and wind
  • Irritants – such as cigarette smoke, dust or chemical exposure
  • Trauma to the eye
  • Infrequent or incomplete blinking
  • Long periods of screen time
  • Laser or cataract surgery
  • Poor nutrition (low in vitamin A)
  • Wearing contact lenses

Dry Eye Syndrome: Overview

Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

While dry eye syndrome cannot be cured, ongoing treatment can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications including, infections, pain, corneal ulcers, corneal scars and vision loss.

  • Artificial tears via preservative free eye drops and ointments
  • Limit screen time (computer/tv) and blink more often
  • Apply warm compresses
  • Practice good eyelid hygiene by keep eyelids clean on a daily basis
  • Dietary changes – increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids
  • Environment changes – limit time in air-conditioned or heated environments and use a humidifier

In severe and chronic cases, other treatment options may be recommended:

  • Prescription of medicated eye drops such as steroids, immunomodulatory and hormone type drops
  • Noninvasive procedure to insert punctal plugs that will close the ducts draining tears from your eyes into your nose

Dry Eye Treatment: Overview

Dry Eye Treatment: Punctal Plugs

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