Dry eye syndrome is a common condition which affects the eyes. It occurs due to insufficient lubrication and moisture in the eyes. It is also called as dry eye disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. This condition affects a majority of people, especially during old age.
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when the tears produced are inadequate to lubricate the eyes. Due to this, the eyes fail to shield against dust and impurities. This causes discomfort or irritation to the eyes. Tears play an important role in preserving the health of the eyes. It is also helpful in providing a proper vision to the eyes.
What are the symptoms?
Dry eye causes a lot of discomfort and irritation. It gives a feeling of having something in the eyes all the time and an itchy sensation. A few other common symptoms of dry eye syndrome are as follows:
In a few cases, there are chances where the eyes may produce excess tears. The lack of dampness in the eyes irritates them. There is stimulation to produce tears in excess, as a defense mechanism. This condition is “reflex tearing” and is only a temporary disorder.
What are the causes of dry eye syndrome?
There are many reasons for the occurrence of the dry eye syndrome. But the major factor which causes it is the lack of tear production. It occurs when there is an increase in tear evaporation or an imbalance in tear composition. The other factors which cause dry eyes are:
How is the syndrome diagnosed?
The ophthalmologist diagnoses the dry eye syndrome through an eye examination or check-up. The symptoms and signs of the patient help the doctor to confirm the prevalence of the dry eye disease. The doctor examines the eyes to check the thickness and quantity of the tear. An inspection of the eyelids helps to find out if there is inflammation.
Apart from this, the ophthalmologist may conduct many other tests. These tests include:
What the different ways of treating dry eye syndrome?
There are many types of treatment available to treat the dry eye syndrome. These treatments help to keep the eyes healthy and reduce discomfort. It prevents the syndrome from disturbing the vision of the eyes.
The approaches used to treat the syndrome are as follows:
Apart from the above treatments, one can also do some self-care. It is important to ensure that the eyes are not exposed to impurities. One must take good care of their eyes to reduce the risk of the syndrome.