Issue 33.13
Dry eye syndrome (DES) – also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca or simply dry eye. DES is a common disorder of the tear film that affects a significant percentage of the population, especially those older than 50 years of age. DES can affect anyone, but is more common in women than in men.
What causes dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye is a condition in which there are insufficient tears to lubricate and nourish the eye. It is necessary to have a sufficient amount of quality tears to maintain the health of the cornea (the front surface of the eye). People with dry eyes either do not produce enough tears or simply have a poor quality of their tears. Poor production of tears may be a result of age, hormonal changes, or various autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. Medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers and oral contraceptives, may decrease tear production. Another common cause of DES is decreased blink rate or incomplete blink. Reading or staring at a computer for extended period’s results in decreased blinking. Decreased blinking or an incomplete blink will allow excessive evaporation of the tears. Chemical burns to the eye or different autoimmune diseases can lead to poor spreading of the tears over the surface of the eye. This will cause the surface of the eye to dry out and even become damaged, even though more than enough watery tears may be present. Meibomian Gland Dysfunction can also cause DES. Meibomian glands are the oil glands in the eyelids that produce the top layer of a tear. If these oil glands become blocked or degenerative, there may not be enough oil to cover the watery tear layer to prevent its evaporation. This is common in conditions such as rosacea or blepharitis.
What are dry eye syndrome symptoms and signs?
A person with dry eye syndrome may experience dry, gritty/scratchy, or filmy feeling, burning or itching, redness of the eyes, blurred vision, the feeling that something is in their eye, and light sensitivity. Symptoms are worse in dry or windy climates and with higher temperatures and lower humidity; a perfect description for the region we live in. Excessive tearing is also common in DES.
What are the complications of dry eye syndrome?
The good news is most people with DES have nothing to worry about aside from an annoying inconvenience that may make activities of daily living miserable. However, no long-term vision loss is to be expected. For those people with severe DES, this may lead to increased risk of a serious infection, scarring and thinning of the cornea. As a result, vision or even the eye itself may be permanently lost.
What can be done for dry eye syndrome?
Richens Eye Center has an entire clinic dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment and management of DES. There are several tests that can be done to confirm DES and help to determine what the best course of treatment would be. We can provide self-care treatments and prescribe medication if needed. There are many things that can be done to ease or reduce your symptoms; there is no need to continue suffering from the pain and irritation of DES. Take steps today to live healthier and happier, your eyes will thank you.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Terry, call 435-986-2020.