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Dry Eye Syndrome: Unraveling Causes and Treatments

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition that’s characterized by the eyes not producing enough tears or when they produce poor quality tears. It can lead to discomfort, irritation, and, if left untreated, potential damage to the eye's front surface.

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What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a persistent condition affecting daily life. Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent dryness
  • Scratchiness or grittiness
  • Redness
  • Blurry vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Watery eyes (as the eyes try to make up for the dryness)

While there might not be a definitive cure, managing these symptoms is highly achievable with various treatment options and lifestyle changes.

Exhausted businesswoman having a headache in modern office. Mature creative woman working at office desk with spectacles on head feeling tired.

Effective Treatments for Dry Eye

There are various treatment options to manage dry eye syndrome effectively. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and underlying causes.

  • Artificial Tears and Prescription Eye Drops: These lubricating drops can alleviate the dry, scratching feeling, relieving the foreign body sensation associated with dry eye. Prescription eye drops go further by boosting tear production.
  • Contact Lenses and Dry Eye: Managing dry eye with contact lenses requires careful consideration. Some artificial tears may not be suitable during lens wear, necessitating lens removal before using drops. Alternatively, we can recommend scleral and gas-permeable lenses to keep the eyes lubricated.
  • InflammaDry® Test: This rapid in-office test detects elevated levels of MMP-9, an inflammatory marker in the tears of individuals with dry eye disease. It aids in diagnosing dry eye swiftly, allowing for immediate intervention.
  • TearLab Technology: This advanced technology measures tear osmolarity, providing a meaningful gauge of the protective tear film's health. It aids in evaluating the severity of dry eye disease.
  • Nutritional Supplements: Essential fatty acids found in certain nutritional supplements can decrease dry eye symptoms. Increasing water intake may also alleviate symptoms.
  • Addressing Medication-Induced Dry Eyes: If medications contribute to dry eye, discontinuation or changing to an alternative drug may resolve the issue.
  • Eyelid Disease Management: Treating underlying eyelid conditions like blepharitis, may involve antibiotic or steroid drops and regular eyelid scrubs with an antibacterial shampoo.
  • Punctal Plugs: For significant dry eye cases, we may recommend punctal plugs. These tiny devices slow tear drainage, maintaining moisture on the eye's surface.
  • Fish Oil Supplements: Rich in essential fatty acids, fish oil supplements offer multiple health benefits, including alleviating dry eye symptoms.
Woman and eye drops

Causes of Dry Eye: Unveiling the Triggers

Several factors contribute to the development of dry eye, such as:

  • Age and Gender: Aging often reduces tear production, and hormonal changes, particularly in women, can increase the risk.
  • Environmental Factors: Exposure to dry or windy climates, smoke, and air conditioning can exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
  • Medical Conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorders can contribute to dry eyes.
  • Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, may decrease tear production.

Screen Time and Digital Devices: Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and other digital devices can reduce blink frequency, leading to dry eyes.