Dry Eye Syndrome
Dr Devesh Sharma, Cornea Expert, Amritsar Eye Clinic
Dry Eye Syndrome affects more than 100 million people around the world. However, many
people commonly don’t know that they are suffering from Dry Eye. People come to
ophthalmologists complaining of decreased vision, cataract or other eye related infections and
are surprised to know that they have dry eye syndrome. This is caused by inefficient tear
production or excessive evaporation, causing mild discomfort like irritation, pain and feeling of
something in eyes. If left untreated for long, may lead to increased risk of infection and visual
impairment. It is considered as a growing health issue which increases with age, so number of
people affected y Dry Eye Syndrome will increase in coming years as population ages. The
condition thereby adversely affects employees’ productivity.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic insufficiency of moisture in the eye. Its consequences range from
subtle but constant irritation to severe disturbance in day to day activity.
Tears moisten the eyes. They are much more than just water. They're a complex mixture of
water, fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes, bacteria-fighting substances and growth factors. This
mixture helps make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear. Without it, good vision is
Symptoms of dry eyes may include:
A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
A sense of a sand grain in your eyes
Strings of mucus in or around your eyes
Eye fatigue after short periods of reading
Feel better with eyes closed
Dry eye syndrome has several causes. For some people, the cause of dry eyes is an imbalance in
the composition of their tears. In others its insufficient tears to keep the eyes comfortably
lubricated. Medications and environmental factors, also can lead to dry eyes.The common causes
1. Living in a dry, dusty or windy climate.
2. As a part of the natural aging process, especially during menopause.
3. As a side effect of many medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain
blood pressure medicines and birth control pills.
4. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you're staring at a computer
5. Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,
rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome.
6. Long-term contact lens wear is another cause.
7. Certain eye conditions may cause eyes to feel dry and scratchy, like in blepharitis, an
inflammation along the edge of the eyelids.
For most people who have dry eyes, it's a chronic condition. The goal of treatment is to make the
symptoms as less as possible. Effective treatment begins with a careful examination to determine
which factors may be causing your symptoms. The goal of treatment is to keep your eyes moist.
This can be done in a couple of ways:
Artificial tears: These are lubricating eye drops that may reduce the dry, scratching feeling.
Preserving tears: This can be done by partially or completely closing the tear ducts, which
normally serve to drain tears away. The closure conserves both your own tears and artificial tears
Medications: Dry eyes caused by problems with the meibomian glands and blepharitis generally
respond to specific treatment for the same.
Simple care at home can make these patients feel better, like
Avoid direct air currents - Don't direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward
Wear protective glasses while going out- Good quality sunglasses protect eyes from the harsh
UV radiations from falling directly into your eyes.
Use home humidifiers - In winter, a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air. Some people
use specially designed glasses that form a moisture chamber around the eye, creating additional
Remember to blink - While working on computers, consciously blink. It helps spread your own
Dr Devesh Sharma, Cornea Expert, Amritsar Eye Clinic
Dry Eye Syndrome affects more than 100 million people around the world. However, many
people commonly don’t know that they are suffering from Dry Eye. People come to
ophthalmologists complaining of decreased vision, cataract or other eye related infections and
are surprised to know that they have dry eye syndrome. This is caused by inefficient tear
production or excessive evaporation, causing mild discomfort like irritation, pain and feeling of
something in eyes. If left untreated for long, may lead to increased risk of infection and visual
impairment. It is considered as a growing health issue which increases with age, so number of
people affected y Dry Eye Syndrome will increase in coming years as population ages. The
condition thereby adversely affects employees’ productivity.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic insufficiency of moisture in the eye. Its consequences range from
subtle but constant irritation to severe disturbance in day to day activity.
Tears moisten the eyes. They are much more than just water. They're a complex mixture of
water, fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes, bacteria-fighting substances and growth factors. This
mixture helps make the surface of your eyes smooth and clear. Without it, good vision is
Symptoms of dry eyes may include:
A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
A sense of a sand grain in your eyes
Strings of mucus in or around your eyes
Eye fatigue after short periods of reading
Feel better with eyes closed
Dry eye syndrome has several causes. For some people, the cause of dry eyes is an imbalance in
the composition of their tears. In others its insufficient tears to keep the eyes comfortably
lubricated. Medications and environmental factors, also can lead to dry eyes.The common causes
1. Living in a dry, dusty or windy climate.
2. As a part of the natural aging process, especially during menopause.
3. As a side effect of many medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants, certain
blood pressure medicines and birth control pills.
4. Another cause is insufficient blinking, such as when you're staring at a computer
5. Dry eyes are also a symptom of systemic diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis,
rosacea or Sjogren's syndrome.
6. Long-term contact lens wear is another cause.
7. Certain eye conditions may cause eyes to feel dry and scratchy, like in blepharitis, an
inflammation along the edge of the eyelids.
For most people who have dry eyes, it's a chronic condition. The goal of treatment is to make the
symptoms as less as possible. Effective treatment begins with a careful examination to determine
which factors may be causing your symptoms. The goal of treatment is to keep your eyes moist.
This can be done in a couple of ways:
Artificial tears: These are lubricating eye drops that may reduce the dry, scratching feeling.
Preserving tears: This can be done by partially or completely closing the tear ducts, which
normally serve to drain tears away. The closure conserves both your own tears and artificial tears
Medications: Dry eyes caused by problems with the meibomian glands and blepharitis generally
respond to specific treatment for the same.
Simple care at home can make these patients feel better, like
Avoid direct air currents - Don't direct hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans toward
Wear protective glasses while going out- Good quality sunglasses protect eyes from the harsh
UV radiations from falling directly into your eyes.
Use home humidifiers - In winter, a humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air. Some people
use specially designed glasses that form a moisture chamber around the eye, creating additional
Remember to blink - While working on computers, consciously blink. It helps spread your own
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