Dry eye syndrome is a condition that arises when the eyes fail to generate enough tears, or when tears evaporate rapidly, resulting in inadequate lubrication of the eyes. It is reported that approximately 5% to 30% of the adult population worldwide is affected by dry eye syndrome, but its prevalence is higher in regions with dry climates or high levels of air pollution.
Causative And Risk Factors
- Aging
- Climate variables, such as dryness due to air conditioners, smoke or wind.
- Autoimmune diseases, for instance, Sjogren syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and SLE, Graves’ disease
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Eyelid conditions, for example, entropion, ectropion, or blepharitis
- Medications like antihistamines, decongestants, birth pills, diuretics, and antidepressants
- Active or passive exposure to smoking
- Wearing contact lenses for long duration
- History of refractive surgeries
- Vitamin A deficiency
Clinical Features
- Redness or itchiness
- Foreign body and burning sensation
- Photophobia ( sensitivity to light)
- Blurred vision
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on the combination of history, thorough clinical examination, and clinical tests.
The tests may include:
- Schirmer’s test
- Tear break-up time test
- Corneal and conjunctival staining to test for ocular surface condition
- Tests to check tears’ osmolality
- Inflammatory markers testing – increased levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9 or diminished lactoferrin in the tear sample
Treatment
Non-pharmacological Management
- Stop smoking
- Drink at least eight to ten glasses of water each day
- Wear protective sunglasses when going out in dry, windy, or dusty weather
- While reading, watching or using a mobile phone, keep blinking your eyes.
- Avoid excessive screen time and give your eyes rest. Follow 20 20 20 rule, i-e, after every 20 minutes of using a digital screen, take 20- second break and look at something 20 feet away.
- Place your computer or laptop screen below your eye level and at your arm’s length
- Avoid sitting in air-conditioned rooms for a long duration.
- During winters avoid sitting close to heaters. Add humidifiers to your room.
Pharmacological Management
- Vitamin A and omega 3 fatty acid supplements after consultation with a doctor
- Artificial tears and lubricants
- Prescription ointments and eye drops
Other Treatment Options
- Punctal plugs
- Scleral lens and moisture chamber glasses
- Unclogging and expressing meibomian glands
