What is Dry Eye?
Dry Eyes is the catch all term which refers to the abnormalities in the tear layer which normally coats the surface of the eye. A healthy tear layer is needed for clear vision and also to protect the sensitive tissue of the surface of the eye.
What causes dry eye?
The human tear film consists of an aqueous (watery) layer with a thin lipid (oily) layer on top to retard evaporation and a thin mucous (sticky) layer underneath to help it adhere properly to the surface of the eye. Disturbance of any one or more of the three layers interferes with the process of routine lubrication of the surface. These disruptions, if prolonged, may cause one of the conditions that classify to be called dry eye.
What are the conditions which can lead to dry eyes? Who are at risk to develop Dry eyes?
There are many different causes of the conditions collectively referred to as dry eye syndrome, which include; aging, menopause, prolonged computer use, environmental (dry climates, air conditioning, pollution, wind), auto-immune diseases (e.g. Sjögrens Syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), surgeries on the eyes or eyelids (e.g. blepharoplasty, LASIK, LASEK, PRK, corneal transplants, etc.) and medication side effects.What are the symptoms of Dry eyes?
Symptoms of dry eyes vary greatly. Some of the most common symptoms are:
- Feeling like there is something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Scratchy, gritty eyes, smarting or burning eyes
- Watery eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eyes tire easily, particularly noticeable from reading, watching TV or using a computer
- Contact lens discomfort or intolerance
- Excessive mucus discharge
- Eyes easily irritated by smoke, allergens, fragrances, etc.
- Fluctuating vision
- Blurred vision, particularly first thing in the morning, and/or late in the day
- Eyelids "stick shut" at night
- Eyelids feel "heavy"
How is Dry eyes diagnosed? Does it require many complicated tests?
Diagnosis of dry eyes is a simple clinic based procedure. The test involved is a simple test called the Schirmer’s test in which a small strip of filter paper is kept in contact with the eye for 5 minutes and the amount of wetting is measured. Another way to assess the dryness of the eyes is by putting a special dye drop in the eye and then assessing the time taken for a dry spot to appear on the eye. This test known as the Tear Break Up Time, is a simple test done in your doctor’s clinic and takes less than 1 minute to do.
Is there a cure for Dry eyes?
Though there is no permanent cure for Dry eyes, it can be treated by one or more of the following ways:
- By supplementing the deficient tears in the eyes with artificial tear drops prescribed by the doctors. Newly formulated preservative free preparations are particularly useful for people who are either allergic to the preservatives or need long term treatment or more frequent dosing.
- By preserving the natural tears produced by your eyes from draining into the nose and keeping them in contact with the eye for a longer time by using silicone plugs which block the draining ducts or using heat to permanently block these ducts.
- By preventing excessive evaporation of the tears because tears evaporate like any other water based liquid. This can be done by lifestyle modification and also by modifying the environment. Using wraparound glasses to prevent wind drying the eyes, using humidifiers at home in dry conditions, reducing use of air conditioning can all help relieve dry eye symptoms.
- Other treatments of dry eyes include supplementing the diet with omega 3 fatty acids which are found naturally in Oily fish and Flax seeds. Alternatively, prescription drops like Cyclosporine, or steroids are used to treat dry eye symptoms. However, these medicines should be used according to doctor’s instructions only.
- Treatment of the general body disease also helps in controlling the dry eye symptoms.