Facts about Dry Eye Syndrome

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 25 August 2022

Dry Eye If you have dry eye syndrome, you may not make enough tears or be able to keep your eyes covered with a regular coating of tears. Additionally, your eyes may be vulnerable to bacterial infections, or the inflammation of your eye's surface may result in corneal scarring. According to the Mayo Clinic, dry eye disease is a common ailment that develops when your tears can't adequately lubricate your eyes. There are various reasons why tears may be insufficient and unsteady. For instance, dry eyes may develop if your tear production is inadequate or of poor quality. The instability of the tears causes inflammation and surface damage to the eye.

Charlotte Lillis of Medical News Today explains that there are different degrees of dry eye. More severe cases may necessitate prescription medicine, although milder cases may respond to over-the-counter (OTC) therapies. Rarely, a patient may need surgery to address specific dry eye causes. Altering one's way of life can also aid in the treatment and management of the ailment. Burning, discomfort, and redness in the eyes are the main signs of dry eye syndrome. Other typical symptoms include stringy mucus, runny tears, eyes that tire more quickly than usual, difficulty in reading or working at a computer for extended periods of time, fuzzy vision, and the impression of having sand in your eyes. Many people who suffer from dry eyes may also feel that their eyes seem heavy, according to Dr. Lance Kugler.

Clear vision and protection from dryness are both made possible by the continual "tear film" that covers healthy eyes. The glands that produce tears are called tear ducts. According to Charlotte Lillis, inadequate tear production and an imbalance in the tear composition that causes them to evaporate too quickly are the main contributors to dry eyes. A doctor will inquire about a patient's symptoms and look at the front of the eye to identify dry eye. In order to see the back of the eye, they could also do a dilated eye exam. Giving ocular drops to the patient to enlarge the pupil is a quick and painless operation. The dilated eye exam can provide information by examining the structure of the eyelids and the quantity and pace of tears being produced by the eyes. A doctor will also look over a patient's medical background and inquire about any prescription drugs or dietary supplements they may be using.

One of the most common methods of treatment for dry eye syndrome is the use of eye drops that improve your eye moisture. For some people, artificial tears are also effective. The drainage canals in the corners of your eyes may also be blocked by plugs, according to your eye specialist. This reversible, somewhat painless technique decreases tear loss. If your issue is serious, the plugs can be suggested as a long-term fix. An anti-inflammatory called cyclosporine is the treatment for dry eyes that is most frequently recommended (Restasis). The medication boosts tear production while reducing the chance of corneal injury. You might need to use corticosteroid eye drops for a brief period of time while the medication takes action if your case of dry eye is severe. A lack of either vitamin A or Omega 3 fatty acids can raise a person's chance of having dry eye, according to the National Eye Institute (NEI). In addition, studies indicate that vitamin A or Omega 3 supplementation may aid in the treatment of already-existing dry eye conditions. Your doctor could suggest surgery if you have severe dry eye syndrome and other medications are ineffective in treating it. To keep your eyes producing enough tears, it may be necessary to permanently block the drainage pores at the inner corners of your eyes.

The following advice is provided by the American Optometric Association to help prevent dry eyes:

Blinking regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen for extended periods
Wearing sunglasses with wraparound frames when outdoors to protect from climatic causes of dry eye
Avoiding dry outdoor environments
Using a humidifier to increase indoor humidity at work and at home
Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration
Asking a doctor for advice about supplements to take for dry eye

Many minor occurrences of dry eye don't have any consequences. However, severe or recurrent conditions may result in side effects including conjunctivitis, corneal ulceration, or scarring. Early treatment is ideal for an individual who experiences dry eye. Kugler says that if it is left untreated for a long time, management would be more challenging. Visit an eye doctor, ophthalmologist, or optometrist as soon as possible if you notice that your eyes are dry and that you are suddenly unable to see as well as you once did.

DMO II Marie-Claire Gaas

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