Dry Eye Syndrome

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears do not have the normal chemical makeup. Another name for dry eye syndrome is keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

What is the cause?

Normally, your body produces 2 types of tears:

• Lubricating tears: which are produced all the time. They help keep your eyes moist and clean and help fight infection. The tear film that forms contains layers of water, mucus, and oil. Dry eye can happen when one or more of these layers is not normal. Most often, the watery layer is too thin.
• Reflex tears: which are produced in response to injury, irritation (such as smoke or toxic chemicals), or emotion. They may even be produced in response to dry eye, when your eyes lack lubricating tears, so your eyes may be more watery than normal.

Dry eye may be caused by:

• Aging: You may not produce enough tears or your tears may be of poor quality.
• Your environment: Dry air may cause your eyes to dry out.
• Your activities: Reading, driving, or looking at a computer screen cause you to blink less because you are concentrating.
• Medicine: Some medicines may decrease your body's ability to produce lubricating tears. Examples of such medicines are antihistamines, birth control pills, diuretics, and beta blockers.
• Poor nutrition. Lack of vitamin A reduces tear production. Lack of omega-3 fatty acids may lead to dry eyes.
• Disease: Some diseases reduce tear production These disease include some types of arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), leukemia, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
• Eyelid problem: A change in the eyelid may not allow your eye to close properly.
• Burns: Chemical or thermal (heat) burns can affect your lubricating tears.

Sometimes the cause of dry eye is not known.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• A scratchy, gritty, burning feeling in your eyes (like when you have something in your eye).
• Sharp pain in the eyes that lasts only a few seconds.
• Excessive watering.
• Stringy mucus in your eyes.
• Matted eye lids that are difficult to open in the morning.
• Blurred vision that goes away when you blink or close your eyes or put lubricating eye drops in your eyes.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine your eyes and ask about:

• your symptoms
• your environment
• your overall health
• medicines you are taking

You may need other tests, such as:

• Schirmer test (a strip of filtered paper placed in your eye at the edge of your eyelid to test the amount of tears you make)
• staining with special eyedrops that help your provider see problems with the surface of your eyes

How is it treated?

There is no cure for dry eye. Treatment can reduce your discomfort and protect your eyes. Usually, your provider will suggest that you use artificial tears eyedrops during the day. You may also need to use lubricant ointments at night.

If these products do not help, your provider may recommend other treatments, such as:

• temporary or permanent plugs that block the punctum (tear drain) so the eye can make full use of the lubricating tears it does produce
• laser treatment or minor surgery to close off the punctum permanently
• eyedrops such as steroids or cyclosporine to reduce inflammation so your eyes can produce more and better tears
• warm compresses (warm, moist cloths put on your eyes) and cleaning eyelids regularly help reduce irritation and help you make better tears

How can I take care of myself?

• See your healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of dry eye.
• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for treating your dry eyes.
• Have your eyes checked regularly (at least every 2 or 3Â years).

How can I help prevent dry eyes?

• Blink regularly when you read, drive, or look at a computer screen for a long time.
• Use a humidifier if you have one.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from wind and sun.
• Ask your eyecare provider if you should take supplements to help your dry eyes.
• Drink lots of water.