Dry Eye Syndrome

What are the causes of Dry Eye Syndrome?

• Dry environment or workplace (wind, air conditioning)
• Smoking or second-hand smoke exposure
• Entropion (when eyelids turn in); ectropion (eyelids turn outward)
• Previous eye surgery
• Eyelid conditions such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Blepharitis.
• Prolonged wearing of Contact Lenses
• Looking at a computer screen for a long time, reading and other activities that reduce blinking
• Certain conditions such as arthritis, thyroid problems, Lupus, Sjogren’s Syndrome.
• Certain medications can cause dryness such as:
• Diuretics (pills for high blood pressure)
• Beta-blockers, for heart problems or high blood pressure
• Allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines)
• Sleeping pills
• Anxiety and antidepressant medicines
• Heartburn medicines

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?

• Irritation
• Blurred vision
• Gritty feeling of something in the eye
• Burning
• Itching
• Eyes sticking together at night
• Watering

Consequences Of Dry Eyes?

A dry surface to your eye, makes you more prone to infections such as cysts, styes, and conjunctivitis.Long term dryness can cause ulceration of the cornea and scarring, so it is best treated long before it gets to this stage.

Do’s For Dry Eyes

• Drink more water
• Wear sunglasses to reduce your exposure to dust, wind and sun
• Blink regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen for long periods of time
• Maintain a proper distance of 20 to 40 inches from computer

Don’ts For Dry Eyes

• Do not smoke or expose your eyes to a lot of air particulates
• Do not use eye make-up as far as possible
• Do not use contact lens until your dry eye condition is treated
• Avoid splashing of water directly into the eyes
• Avoid air flow directly into the eyes

How Is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Your ophthalmologist will begin with an eye examination. They will look at your eyelids and the surface of the eye. They will also check how you blink.
Tests and procedures that may be used to determine the cause of your dry eyes include:

• A comprehensive eye exam. An eye exam that includes a complete history of your overall health and your eye health can help your eye care specialist diagnose the cause of your dry eyes.
• A test to measure the volume of your tears. Your eye care specialist may measure your tear production using the Schirmer tear test. In this test, blotting strips of paper are placed under your lower eyelids. After five minutes your eye care specialist measures the amount of strip soaked by your tears.
• A test to determine the quality of your tears. Other tests use special dyes in eye drops to determine the surface condition of your eyes. Your eye care specialist looks for staining patterns on the corneas and measures how long it takes before your tears evaporate.
• A tear osmolarity test. This type of test measures the composition of particles and water in your tears. With dry eye disease, there will be less water in your eyes.
• Tear samples to look for markers of dry eye disease, including elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 or decreased lactoferrin.

Dry Eye Management

The aim of treatment is to restore the normal tear film as far as possible. Most dry eyes can be managed in primary care
Treatments for dry eyes may make you more comfortable. These treatments can include lifestyle changes and eye drops- Preservative free lubricant to reduce irritation to the eyes over long term use.
For more severe dry eye cases, we can fit punctual plugs which offer a more permanent solution to dry eyes, considerably reducing or eliminating the need for lubricating drops.

Treating Dry Eye by Adding Tears

You can buy artificial tears without a prescription. There are many brands. Try a few until you find a brand that works best for you.
If you use artificial tears more than six times a day or are allergic to preservatives, you should use preservative-free tears. This is because the tears with preservatives may start to irritate your eyes.

Stop Dry Eye by Saving Tears
Your ophthalmologist may suggest blocking your tear ducts. This makes your natural tears stay in your eyes longer. Tiny silicone or gel plugs (punctual plugs) may be inserted in your tear ducts. These plugs can be removed later as needed. Your ophthalmologist could also recommend surgery that permanently closes your tear ducts.

Your ophthalmologist might have you use a prescription eye drop medication. This helps your eyes make more of their own tears.

Soften meibomian oils: Hot compresses (40-45oC) on the eyelids reduce blockage of meibomian ducts by liquefying meibum.

Improve blink rate and extent: use of video display units (VDU) is associated with both reduced blink frequency and tear film instability. Conscious complete blinking may alleviate dry eye symptoms by spreading tears more effectively and encouraging lipid secretion.

Diet: there is evidence to support the use of omega-3 dietary supplementation to improve symptoms and signs of dry eye by improving meibomian gland function.

Therapeutic management: Your ophthalmologist might tell you to use artificial tears. These are eye drops that are like your own tears. You can use artificial tears as often as you need to.

Punctal plugs: Small devices that are used to block the tear drainage channel in the inner corner of your eye. The plugs are inserted into the tear duct opening, which is called the puncta. Tears normally drain out from this channel through the back of your nose and into the back of your throat. Punctum plug reduce the rate of outflow of tears. This helps keeps your eyes moist with your own tears. They can also help artificial tears last longer.

Have questions or concerns about your eye health? Feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team of experts. We‘re here to help you see the world more clearly”. Contact Us on +91 872 598 7940.