| Dry eye syndrome is one of
the most common problems treated by eye physicians.
Dry eye syndrome is the decline in the quality or quantity
of tears bathing the eye. Dry eye syndrome is a chronic
lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture in the eye.
Its consequences extend from subtle but constant irritation
to ocular inflammation of the anterior (front) tissues
of the eye |
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| Tears are comprised of three
layers. The mucus layer coats the cornea, the eye's
clear outer window, forming a foundation so the tear
film can adhere to the eye. The middle aqueous layer
provides moisture and supplies oxygen and other important
nutrients to the cornea. This layer is made of 98 percent
water along with small amounts of salt, proteins and
other compounds. The outer lipid layer is an oily film
that seals the tear film on the eye and helps to prevent
evaporation |
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| Causes of Dry Eye: |
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| Aging - commonest , people
above 65 years are more prone for dry eye |
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| Women in the menopausal age
group |
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| Hot, dry or windy climates,
high altitudes, air-conditioning |
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| Cigarette smoke |
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| Working on Computers |
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| Contact lens wearers |
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| Thyroid conditions |
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| Vitamin A deficiency |
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| Sjogren's syndrome - an immune
system disorder characterized by inflammation and dryness
of the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes, damages
the lacrimal glands, and this damage affects tear production. |
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| Medications - antibiotics,antihistamines,
antidiarrhoeals |
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| Symptoms : |
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| Itching |
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| Burning |
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| Irritation |
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| Redness |
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| Blurred vision that improves
with blinking |
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| An inability to cry under
emotional stress |
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| Excessive reflex watering |
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| Decreased tolerance of contact
lenses |
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| In extreme cases of dry eye,
patients may become unusually sensitive to light, experience
severe eye pain, or notice diminished vision |
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| Increased discomfort after
reading/watching TV |
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| Diagnosis
and detection :
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| These symptoms alone may
be enough for an ophthalmologist to diagnose dry eye
syndrome. Sometimes he or she may want to measure the
amount of tears in your eyes. A thin strip of filter
paper placed at the edge of the eye, called a Schirmer
test, is one way of measuring this. There are various
other tests available to measure the quality and quantity
of tears. |
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| If left untreated will dry
eyes harm my vision ? |
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If treated, dry eye will
not harm your vision.
It may damage eye tissue and scar the cornea,if left
untreated leading to vision impairment. |
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| Treatment: |
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| Medications: Artificial
tears - Some of these products are watery and alleviate
the symptoms temporarily others are thicker and adhere
to the eye longer. Preservative-free tears are recommended
because they are the most soothing and have fewer additives
that could potentially irritate. |
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| Punctal plugs: Closing
the opening of the tear drain in the eyelid with special
inserts called punctal plugs is another option. This
works like closing a sink drain with a stopper. These
special plugs trap the tears on the eye, keeping it
moist. This may be done on a temporary basis with a
dissolvable collagen plug, or permanently with a silicone
plug. |
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| Special goggles called "moisture
-chamber spectacles" for severe forms of dry eye. |
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| Corneal transplantation in
case of corneal scarring. |
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| If medications are the cause
of dry eye syndrome, discontinuing the drug generally
resolves the dry eye. |
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| Other general tips: |
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| Drink eight to ten glasses
of water a day. |
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| Blink frequently |
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| Avoid rubbing the eyes frequently |
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| Avoid direct blast of heaters
and air conditioners |
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| Avoid smoking |
