What is dry eye?
Dry eye disease is a chronic condition where the tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for the eyes. This may occur due to inadequate tear production, or alternatively due to production of poor quality tears.
Dry eye is relatively common, affecting up to one third of Australian adults. If you have dry eyes, you may find that your eyes feel uncomfortable, sting or burn, particularly when in air-conditioning or outdoors in windy conditions.
Dry eye can interfere with your ability to read, use a computer, watch television or drive. In its most severe form, dry eye can result in inflammation and ulceration of the eye’s surface, which can significantly impact vision.
Dry eye symptoms
If you have dry eye, you may experience some of the following symptoms:
- Red eyes
- Stinging, burning eyes or a sensation of having something foreign in the eyes
- Itchiness in the corners of the eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Watery eyes
- Blurred vision
- Tired eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Causes of dry eye
A normal tear film has three layers: fatty oils, aqueous fluid and mucus. This combination works to keep the surface of the eyes lubricated, smooth and clear. A problem with any of these layers can lead to dry eye.
Some factors that may cause or contribute to dry eye include:
- Age
- Being female
- Hormonal changes
- Eating a diet low in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids
- Previous eye infection or injury
- Medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis
- Certain medications
- Climate conditions, such as dry air or wind
- Irritants, such as cigarette smoke or dust
- Prolonged periods of time spent in front of a computer screen
Dry eye prevention
There is little that you can do to prevent dry eye from developing. However, if you do experience dry eye, there are a number of steps you can take to prevent or minimise your symptoms.
Simple measures such as avoidance of environments or irritants that cause flare-ups, taking regular breaks from computer screens, and use of non-preserved lubricating drops, can reduce the severity and symptoms of dry eye.
Diagnosis of dry eye
Diagnosing dry eye is typically possible during a routine comprehensive eye exam. Additional tests, such as measuring your tear production and use of special eye drops to stain your tears, may be performed to determine the cause and severity of your dry eye. Any contributing factors such as eyelid inflammation or disease can also be identified.
Dry eye treatment
Dry eye can usually be successfully managed through ongoing treatment. Treatments are designed to supplement tear production, maintain tear film volume or prevent excessive evaporation or loss of tears. Eyelid or eye surface inflammation should also be treated concurrently, and this may require a course of mild anti-inflammatory drops or antibiotics. Overall, a management plan will be tailored to address the underlying cause and severity of your dry eye.
Get in touch to see Dr Juanita Pappalardo
Dr Pappalardo is a Specialist Ophthalmologist with broad experience in treating a range of common eye diseases, including dry eye. If you believe that you have dry eye, get in touch to plan your visit with Dr Pappalardo.
Personalised care, exceptional results with Dr Juanita Pappalardo.
