What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES), also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca, is a common condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or the quality of tears is poor, leading to dryness, irritation, and discomfort. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the eye surface and affect vision.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
- Aging – More common in people over 50 years.
- Hormonal Changes – Especially in women during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control pills.
- Prolonged Screen Time – Reduced blinking while using computers, phones, or TVs causes tear evaporation.
- Environmental Factors – Exposure to wind, smoke, air conditioning, or dry climates.
- Contact Lens Wear – Long-term use of contact lenses can reduce natural tear production.
- Certain Medications – Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production.
- Eye Surgery – LASIK or cataract surgery may temporarily disrupt tear production.
- Autoimmune Diseases – Conditions like Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lupus can cause severe dry eyes.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
- Dryness, irritation, and burning sensation
- Redness and watery eyes (due to reflex tearing)
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Gritty or scratchy feeling, like sand in the eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Increased discomfort in air-conditioned or windy environments
Diagnosis of Dry Eye Syndrome
- Tear Break-Up Time (TBUT) Test – Measures how quickly tears evaporate.
- Schirmer’s Test – Uses a small strip of paper to measure tear production.
- Fluorescein Staining – Detects dry spots on the cornea.
- Meibomian Gland Evaluation – Checks for blockage in oil-producing glands.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome
1. Artificial Tears & Lubricating Eye Drops
- Over-the-counter artificial tears help relieve mild dry eye symptoms.
- Preservative-free eye drops are recommended for frequent use.
2. Prescription Medications
- Cyclosporine (Restasis) or Lifitegrast (Xiidra) – Increases tear production.
- Steroid Eye Drops – Short-term use for severe inflammation.
3. Lifestyle Changes & Home Remedies
- Blink more often when using screens.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule – Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
- Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes from wind and sun.
- Stay hydrated and eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids (fish, flaxseeds, walnuts).
4. Advanced Treatments for Severe Dry Eye
- Punctal Plugs – Small devices inserted into tear ducts to prevent tear drainage.
- Meibomian Gland Therapy – Warm compresses or LipiFlow treatment to unblock oil glands.
- Autologous Serum Eye Drops – Made from the patient’s own blood plasma to heal the eye surface.
Importance of Regular Eye Examinations
Since dry eye symptoms can worsen over time, routine eye check-ups help detect and manage the condition early. If left untreated, Dry Eye Syndrome can lead to corneal damage and vision problems.
