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Dry Eye
Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes don’t make enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to the eyes drying out and becoming red, swollen and irritated. Dry eye syndrome is also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, or simply “dry eyes”.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome are mild for most people, although more severe cases can be painful and lead to complications. Symptoms usually affect both eyes and often include:
• feelings of dryness, grittiness or soreness that get worse throughout the day • burning and red eyes • eyelids that stick together when waking up • temporarily blurred vision, which usually improves when blinking • Some people may also have episodes of watering eyes, which can occur if the eye tries to relieve the irritation by producing more tears.
Causes of dry eye syndrome
Dry eye syndrome can occur when the complex tear production process is disrupted in some way. There are many different reasons why this can happen, although a single identifiable cause often can’t be found.
Although the condition may affect people of any age, the chances of developing dry eye syndrome increase as we grow older. It’s estimated up to one in every three people over the age of 65 experiences problems with dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome is more common in women than men.
Hormonal changes - Hormones and the nervous system play an important part in tear production. Hormones stimulate the production of tears. Changes in hormone levels in women can increase their risk of dry eye syndrome. For example: during pregnancy, the menopause and while using the contraceptive pill. Ageing - Dry eye syndrome is more common in older people. This may be because we produce fewer tears as we get older, and the eyelids become less effective at spreading tears over the surface of the eyes. Environmental factors can have a drying effect on the eyes, causing your tears to evaporate. These include: sun, wind, dry climate, hot blowing air, high altitude. Certain activities can also contribute to dry eye syndrome, such as: reading, writing, working with a computer - People tend to blink less frequently during activities that require visual concentration. This means the tear film evaporates or drains away more quickly than it’s replenished.
Certain medications
Several medicines are thought to cause dry eye syndrome as a side effect in some people, including: antihistamines, antidepressants, betablockers, diuretics, Laser eye surgery - Some people who have had certain types of laser eye surgery find they have dry eye syndrome in the weeks after surgery. Contact lenses Sometimes contact lenses irritate the eye and cause dry eye syndrome. Changing to a different type of lens or limiting contact lens use usually helps resolve the symptoms, as can changing cleaning solutions or using preservative-free lubricant eye drops.
Medical conditions
There are a number of medical conditions that increase the risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Blepharitis - Many people with dry eye syndrome also have blepharitis or meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). This is where the eyelid margins become inflamed, which can block the glands that produce oils for the tear film. Blepharitis can occur at any age and in otherwise healthy people, although it sometimes occurs as the result of a bacterial infection or other conditions, such as rosacea. Allergic conjunctivitis inflammation of the transparent layer of cells that covers the white part of the eyeball and the inner surfaces of the eyelids (conjunctiva) caused by an allergy, usually to pollen and dust mites Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that causes inflammation of the skin because of a substance the person is sensitive to. Sjögren’s syndrome is a condition that can cause excessive dryness of the eyes, mouth and vagina, which is also associated with fatigue and arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis causes pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints that can affect any part of the body, including the glands around the eyes and inflammation of the white of the eye (scleritis)
Treatments
Dry eye syndrome isn’t usually a serious condition. Treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms, which include: • eye drops to lubricate the eyes • medications to reduce any inflammation • if necessary, surgery to prevent tears from draining away easily If dry eye syndrome is caused by an underlying condition, treating this condition usually helps to relieve the symptoms.
Self-care for eyes
As well as medical treatments, there are some things which can be done to help prevent dry eye syndrome or reduce the symptoms: • keeping the eyes and eyelids clean and protecting them from dusty, smoky, windy and dry environments • using computers or laptops correctly to avoid eye strain • using a humidifier to moisten the air • eating a healthy diet that includes omega-3 and omega-7 fats
WWhat are the symptoms? feelings of dryness, grittiness or soreness that
HHow long have they had the symptoms? People with persistent but mild symptoms of dry eye syndrome should speak with an optometrist
AAction already taken? People may already be using lubricating
eye-drops, but the above self-care steps can also relieve symptoms
can all cause dry eye as a side effect
