What is DRY EYE SYNDROME?
Are you experiencing a sandy or gritty feeling in your eye? How about stinging, burning feeling? You might be experiencing DRY EYE SYNDROME.
Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when there is either rapid evaporation or insufficient production of tears. Tears are necessary for over-all eye health and clear vision.
SYMPTOMS
Patients with dry eye syndrome often experience redness, tearing, eye discharge, eye pain, foreign body sensation, itchiness, blurring of vision, photophobia, glare, and eye fatigue. These symptoms are usually observed towards the afternoon or night time or during reading, watching, using the computer and other gadgets. It can also be exacerbated by hormonal changes, contact lens use, very hot or very cold weather, allergies, and some oral and topical medicines.
POSSIBLE CAUSES:
Dry eye syndrome may be classified into 2: AQUEOUS TEAR DEFICIENT and EVAPORATIVE. Aqueous Tear Deficient Dry Eye Syndrome is due to insufficient tear production and may be caused by aging, menopause, contact lens use, diabetes, cataract and refractive surgery and side effects of certain medicines. Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome is due to fast tear evaporation and may be caused by blepharitis, allergic conjunctivitis, prolonged reading, watching, use of computer and other gadgets, contact lens use, Vitamin A deficiency, and side effects of certain medicines.
TREATMENT
Lubricants are the mainstay of treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome. Anti-inflammatory medications eg Cyclosporine drops may be given. Omega-3 fatty acid supplement may also be given as adjunct to treatment.