DRY EYES – CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND TRATMENT

Over 340 Million people globally suffer from DRY EYE Disease (DED). This is a significant medical health problem.

Dry eye is a common condition and occurs when natural tears cannot properly lubricate the eyes. Natural tears are critical to the overall health of the eyes. Tears protect, nourish, and maintain your eyes’ health and comfort as well as provide you with clear vision. With each blink, a protective layer of tears is spread over the front of the eyes but, when there is an imbalance of tears quality or insufficient volume, dry eyes are often the result. This is caused by either a reduction in tear creation or an increase in tear evaporation. If not treated, dry eye can cause lasting damage to the corneal surface and declining vision.

What causes dry eye?

Several factors can cause dry eye. These include:

  • Environment: Hot, dry houses during the winter, dry air-conditioned homes in the summer, windy or smoky environments, or arid climates can cause dry eyes.
  • Medication: Some medications have a side effect that causes dry eyes. These include antihistamines, antidepressants, decongestants, diuretics, and hormone replacement therapies.
  • Age: As we age, our eyes change. Some patients may experience reduced tear production, and, subsequently, dry eyes.
  • Gender: Women tend to be more susceptible to dry eyes, especially those who are pregnant or over the age of 40.
  • Skin and eyelid disorders: Inflammatory skin disorders like rosacea, infections, and inflammatory eyelid disorders can all affect the tear film’s lipid layer, leading to dry eyes.
  • Systemic disorders and other diseases: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, diabetes, thyroid conditions, or a Vitamin A deficiency can cause dry eyes.
  • Those who wear contact lenses, spend a lot of time working with digital screens, or have had laser eye surgery may also develop dry eyes.

Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eyes can cause bothersome symptoms, like burning or stinging, grittiness, redness or the constant feeling that something is in the eye. Aside from being irritating and painful, dry eyes can additionally cause infections and other serious eye concerns if left untreated.

Dry eye can result in symptoms including:

  • A stinging, burning, or scratching sensation in the eyes
  • Stringy discharge in or around the eyes
  • Watery Eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Blurred vision, inconsistent vision
  • Eye redness and discomfort
  • Discomfort wearing contact lenses
  • Difficulty with nighttime driving
  • Fatigued, sore, or heavy eyes

Dry Eye Diagnosis

Dry eye disease can be diagnosed by an Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. In some cases by a General Practitioner that will refer to an eye Doctor. Regular Eye examinations are recommended for early diagnosis and disease management, treatment or prevention. An eye specialist can use different diagnostic methods to observe the severity of the condition and its progression, and order specialized tests or blood work for systemic disorders that dry eye is a symptom of. 

Dry Eye Treatment

Treatment for dry eye depends on the severity of the disease. Mild cases require no more than use of artificial tear solutions and hot compresses, eyelid massage or eye ointments.

In more serious cases, sustained-release eye lubricants, an insert placed in the eye area slowly dissolves and thickens the tear film may be used or Prescription eye drops. Scleral lenses, which are large surface contact lenses that trap moisture onto the eye’s surface may be an option. 

Other Dry Eye Treatment require In Office Procedures, These need to be discussed and assessed with the eye care specialist

Please contact us to find out more information or book an Appointment with eyecare specialist for an assessment.