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Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is the decline of the quality or quantity
of tears bathing the eye. The patient experiences constant
pain from eye irritation, and a sandy or gritty sensation
that, if untreated, can lead to scarring or ulceration
of the cornea, and thus loss of vision.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
a. Aging
b. Diabetes
c. “Sjögren's syndrome
d. Neurotrophic keratitis" as well as by some types
of contact lens wear.
e. Excessive evaporation of tears can also cause dry eye
syndrome. Such evaporation may be caused by "meibomitis,"
which results from infection and inflammation of the meibomian
glands in the eyelids. Dry eye can also result from unusual
facial anatomy or irregularities in the cornea, resulting
in uneven or inadequate tear coverage of the eye.
Who is affected?
About 10 million Americans suffer from dry eye syndrome.
Most of these cases result from normal aging of the glands
in the eye, but dry eye can occur at any age. It is estimated
that nearly 75% of people over age 65 will experience
dry eye syndrome. It occurs in both men and women, although
it is most common in women who are pregnant or post-menopausal.
About 3 million Americans have dry eye as a consequence
of Sjögren's syndrome, and 90% of these patients
are women. People suffering from allergies and those wearing
contact lenses have greater risk of developing dry eye.
What are the warning signs and how is it detected?
An occasional burning sensation in the eyes when in areas
of low humidity or high pollution. A gritty sensation
in the eyes which is persistent and painful. An inability
to cry under emotional stress. Decreased tolerance of
contact lenses. In extreme cases of dry eye, patients
may become unusually sensitive to light, experience severe
eye pain, or notice diminished vision.If early signs persist,
make an appointment with an ophthalmologist. S/He will
check for corneal abrasion or infection and begin treatment
to avoid permanent damage. Pain and redness of the conjuctiva,
which is the coating over the white of the eye, is not
necessarily related to dry eye syndrome. Continually produce
excessive tears.
Can dry eye syndrome come and go?
In the early stages of the disorder, the symptoms it causes
may seem to come and go, but these symptoms become more
persistent as dry eye worsens. With most forms of dry
eye, patients experience greater discomfort as the day
progresses. If an infection such as "blepharitis"
or "meibomitis" is the cause of dry eye, the
discomfort tends to be greatest in the morning, then lessens
during the day.
Is dry eye affected by dust, pollen, or tobacco
smoke?
Yes. People who are sensitive to pollen, dust or smoke
can easily worsen their dry eye condition by exposure
to these irritants.
checked if the irritation persists.
How is dry eye treated?
Dry eyes are typically treated by applying artificial
tears and ointments. These give temporary relief, but
usually do not arrest or reverse damage to the eye. If
eye drop treatment failed, the next step is inserting
plug (collagen or silicone) which can keep the tear stay
on the ocular surface and moisture the eye. In rare occasion,
patients are allergic the silicone plug, then the punctum
can be cauterized with cautery after removing the plug.
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