Dry eye syndrome, a common condition affecting millions worldwide, happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This leads to inflammation and discomfort in the eyes, making daily activities challenging.
What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition characterized by insufficient or poor-quality tears. Our tears are essential for maintaining the health of our eyes and providing clear vision. When tear production is inadequate, or the composition of the tears is imbalanced, the eyes can become dry, irritated, and inflamed
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome:
- A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in your eyes.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Redness in the eyes.
- A feeling of having something in your eyes.
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses.
- Difficulty with nighttime driving.
- Watery eyes are the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes.
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue.
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye can be caused by a host of factors, including:
- Age: Our tear production often decreases, leading to dry eyes. This is especially common in people over the age of 50.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop dry eyes because of hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and menopause. Women are even more likely to experience dry eyes during certain times of the month when estrogen levels rise.
- Medications: Certain medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants can also reduce tear production.
- Environmental Conditions: External elements like exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates can increase tear evaporation.
- Medical Conditions: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
- Prolonged Screen Time: Digital eye strain is a phenomenon that results in dry eye syndrome - staring at a computer screen for long periods can reduce the rate of blinking, which is necessary for spreading tears over the eyes.
Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome
Diagnosing dry eye typically involves a comprehensive eye examination. Our tests are used to measure the volume and quality of your tears and often include:
- Schirmer Test: This involves placing a small strip of paper under your lower eyelid to measure tear production.
- Tear Breakup Time Test: This assesses the stability of the tear film.
- Dye Staining: Special dyes help evaluate the surface condition of the eyes and identify areas of dryness.
Professional Vision’s Treatment Options for Dry Eye Syndrome
Treating dry eye syndrome involves a multifaceted approach targeting symptom relief and underlying causes. Here are some effective treatment options:
- Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops: These are the most common and readily available treatments for dry eyes. They help to provide moisture and lubrication to the eye surface. Our eye care specialists recommend preservative-free options for frequent use to avoid irritation.
- Prescription Medications: Doctors can prescribe cyclosporine (Restasis) and lifitegrast (Xiidra) for more severe cases. These treatments help to increase tear production and reduce inflammation.
- Punctal Plugs: Punctal plugs are tiny devices inserted into the tear ducts to prevent tears from draining away too quickly. This helps to keep the eyes moist.
- Warm Compresses and Lid Massages: Applying a warm compress to the eyes can help loosen any clogged oil glands, which is essential for maintaining a healthy tear film. Lid massages can also help express oils from the glands to improve tear quality.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Studies show that increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids through diet or supplements can help improve the tear film's quality. Foods rich in omega-3 include fish, flaxseed, and chia seeds.
- Scleral Lenses: These contact lenses help protect the eye's surface and retain moisture.
iLux Advanced Treatment and Procedures
Doctors may consider advanced procedures for cases that do not respond to conventional treatments. Some of these options include:
- iLUX® treatment: Using light-based heat, our iLUX® treatment applies therapeutic warming and expression to address blocked glands and promote healthy oil production.
- Lipid-Based Eye Drops: These drops help to stabilize the tear film and reduce evaporation.
Book Your Next Consultation with Professional Vision
With the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments, you can effectively manage the symptoms of dry eye syndrome, which can significantly impact your quality of life. For a personalized treatment plan, visit our practice, where we offer a range of advanced treatments to help you achieve optimal eye health. Book your next iLUX® appointment here.