Understanding Dry Eye Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Innovative Treatments
Dry eye syndrome, often just called dry eye, happens when there’s not enough moisture or lubrication on the surface of your eyes. This can cause anything from minor irritation to serious inflammation and, in extreme cases, even scarring on the front of the eye. The medical terms “keratitis sicca” and “keratoconjunctivitis sicca” refer to inflammation and dryness in the cornea and conjunctiva, respectively. Another term, “dysfunctional tear syndrome,” highlights that the quality of tears is just as important as the quantity. Regardless of the terminology, dry eyes can be very uncomfortable if not treated.
Once an eye doctor diagnoses you with dry eye syndrome and determines its severity, they can recommend the best treatment to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable, and functioning well. Treatment might include prescription medications or procedures to help your body produce more tears and reduce irritation.
For mild cases, such as those caused by extended computer use, treatments can include artificial tears or other eye drops to increase lubrication. Using a product like Restasis (Allergan) daily can also help keep your eyes lubricated and reduce inflammation. Doctors might also suggest lifestyle changes like taking regular breaks from screen time.
Dry eyes can have various causes. Tears play a vital role in keeping your eyes healthy by washing away dust, debris, and microorganisms that can lead to infections. Healthy tear film has three main components: watery (aqueous), oily (lipid), and mucous (mucin), each produced by different glands. If there’s a problem with any of these glands, tear stability can be compromised, potentially causing chronic dry eyes. For example, if the lacrimal glands don’t produce enough watery fluid, this can lead to what’s known as aqueous-deficient dry eye.
Long periods of staring at a computer or smartphone, frequent reading, and schoolwork can reduce how often you blink, causing tears to evaporate and increasing the risk of dry eyes. Wearing contact lenses can also cause dryness and discomfort, leading some people to stop wearing them. Age (especially over 50), menopause, smoking, frequent traveling by plane, and living in dry environments can all increase the risk of dry eyes.
If you think you might have dry eye syndrome, it’s important to visit an eye specialist. They will perform tests beyond just looking at your symptoms, which can vary a lot from person to person, to determine if you have dry eyes and how severe the condition is. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will conduct a thorough eye exam to diagnose and assess the severity of your dry eye. Opticians are not eye doctors but can help you find the right eyewear based on the prescriptions or recommendations from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Dry eye syndrome is common and should prompt a visit to your family eye doctor. While some cases might not be completely curable, seeing an optometrist can significantly improve your eye comfort and help manage symptoms, leading to better vision.
