DRY EYES

What is 'dry eyes'?

Dry eyes refers to a condition whereby the moisture and lubrication of the eye(s) is inadequate, leading to surface dryness. It is possibly the most common complaint and is often accompanied by blepharitis (an infection of the lid margin, which needs to be treated also). Proper functioning of the tear system ensures normal moisture and lubrication, which may be disturbed due to several reasons.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

  • irritation
  • blurring of vision
  • foreign-body sensation (feels like sand)
  • itching
  • redness
  • light sensitivity
  • excessive watering (over-compensation of dryness)
  • headache

What causes dry eyes?

There can be several reasons for dry eyes, including:

  • anatomical (e.g. tear film quality or quantity, eye lids that do not close fully)
  • environmental (e.g. hot/dry weather, air conditioning, dust, smoke)
  • ocular diseases (e.g. Sjögren's syndrome)
  • systemic illnesses (e.g. diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders)
  • contact lens use
  • hormonal changes (menopause, pregnancy, contraceptive pills)
  • excessive screen time (e.g. phone, tablet, laptop)
  • medications (e.g. antihistamines, antidepressants)
  • after eye surgeries (especially laser vision correction)
  • dehydration

How is dry eyes diagnosed?

Dry eyes can be diagnosed at your visit to the ophthalmologist (or in some cases optometrist) by full patient's history and symptoms as well as clinical examination. The most common tests used by ophthalmologists include:

  • fluorescein staining (a drop of dye is placed on the eye, which stains dry areas temporarily)
  • tear break-up time (a drop of fluorescein is placed on the eye and observed under the microscope for the number or seconds it takes for a dry spot to appear in the tear film)
  • Schirmer's test (a small strip of filter paper is placed under your eye lid that collects tears over 5 minutes and is then measured)

How can dry eyes be managed?

There are several methods to manage dry eyes and new ones are continuously being researched due to the commonness of the condition. Some of these options are:

  • eye drops or ointment (artificial tears, preferably preservative-free, in severe cases temporary cortisone drops may be prescribed)
  • punctal plugs (temporary or permanent plugs to close the tear drainage ducts)
  • increased dietary intake of fish oil and Omega-3
  • blinking more often
  • sunglasses or other glasses to protect from the elements (light, wind)
  • increased water intake
  • reduce/break screen-time or reading (20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)