Dec 19, 2014

Dry Eye Syndrome

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

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