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Dry Eye

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a type of disease where the eye is unable to produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly due its poor quality. This condition is usually due to the inflammation of the eyelid that further worsens the eye condition. It is one of the most frequent causes of visits to an eye specialist.

Each time we blink, a protective coating of tears is spread like a film over the front of our eye. When any part of the tear film isn’t functioning properly, you may start to experience one or more symptoms of dry eyes.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

What causes inadequate tear production?

What causes increased tear evaporation?

  • Windy conditions or dry air (including air conditioning and frequent flying)
  • Eye strain e.g. from long hours of reading, computer use or driving
  • Blocked meibomian glands
  • Eyelid defects

Complications of dry eye

  • Eye inflammation
  • Abrasion of the corneal surface
  • Corneal ulcers

All of these can lead to reduced vision.

How can I test for dry eye?

An ophthalmologist can diagnose dry eyes by assessing both the quality and quantity of tears in relation to the health of the eyelids. With modern technology, it is now possible to evaluate the tear film and identify which layers are contributing to the symptoms. This is essential for the effective management of dry eyes.

Treatment of dry eye

The aim of treatment is to treat the underlying cause, manage the inflammation and conserve tears. In some cases, an underlying health issue (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis) may be causing the problem and your ophthalmologist may need to refer you to the specialist concerned. If a medication is causing your dry eyes, your doctor may recommend an alternative drug that doesn’t cause side effects.

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