What Is Dry Eye Disease?
Dry eye disease occurs when the lubrication of the surface of the eye is compromised due to decreased quantity or quality of tears. This is because our eyes need tears to stay healthy. If the eyes do not produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly, it leads to dry eyes. A dry eye also occurs when your eyes do not produce the right type of tears or tear film.
Who is at risk for dry eye?
The reality is that just about everyone is at risk in some way to get dry eye. The most common cause of dry eye is aging. As you get older, it is more likely that you will not produce enough tears of good quality to keep your eyes moist. Women who have gone through menopause are particularly vulnerable. If you stare at a screen all day, you will likely not blink enough which can lead to dry eyes. Living in a dry climate or having a dry environment in your home can also be hard on the moisture in your eyes. Some diseases and medication can also contribute to drying out your eyes.
Side effects of medications
Specific environments where our eyes are exposed to dust, smoke, or other harmful pollutants.
Prolonged use of contact lenses.
Digital eye strain
Inflammation of eyelid glands & eyelash follicles
Diseases: Some diseases like arthritis, diabetes, asthma, Vitamin A deficiency, thyroid disease, and lupus are associated with dry eye. Sjögren’s Syndrome is the name given to the combination of symptoms that includes dry eyes, dry mouth, and arthritis.
Advancing age is a risk factor for declines in tear production. Dry eye is more common in people aged 50 years or older.
Women are more likely to develop dry eye. Hormonal changes during pregnancy and after menopause have been linked with dry eye.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Eye Disease?
Can Dry Eye Disease Be Cured?
While there is no permanent cure for dry eye, there are many options for treatment that can keep your symptoms under control.
What are the treatments for dry eye?
Because there are so many different causes of dry eyes, your treatment will depend on your individual symptoms, and the cause of your condition. Most treatments involve either replacing tears or reducing tear drainage.
Dry eye treatment depends on the symptoms the patient faces. We do several tests to measure tear production, special dyes to check the inner part of the eyes, and a complete checkup of the tear film to diagnose the condition.