DRY EYE

Dry eye disease is a Dry eye syndrome (DES), also referred to as dry eye disease (DED) or encompasses multifactorial ocular surface pathology causing discomfort and visual disturbances.it’s a common condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes.

• A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes

• Stringy mucus in or around your eyes

• Sensitivity to light

• Eye redness

• A sensation of having something in your eyes

• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

• Difficulty with nighttime driving

• Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes

• Blurred vision or eye fatigue

• A comprehensive eye exam :An eye exam that includes a complete history of your overall health and your eye health can help your eye care specialist diagnose the cause of your dry eyes   

• A test to measure the volume of your tears: Your eye care specialist may measure your tear production using the Schirmer tear test. In this test, blotting strips of paper are placed under your lower eyelids. After five minutes your eye care specialist measures the amount of strip soaked by your tears.

• Tear break-up time (TBUT): Special dyes are added to the eye to see how long the tear film remains intact after blinking. 

• Age: Tear production tends to decrease as you get older.

• Gender: Women are more prone to dry eyes, particularly during hormonal changes like pregnancy, menopause, or when using birth control pills. 

• Medical conditions: Systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and thyroid eye disease are significant risk factors. 

• Other health issues: Nerve damage, certain autoimmune diseases, and anxiety or depression can also contribute to dry eye. 

• Screen time: Spending long hours looking at digital screens can lead to decreased blinking and increased tear evaporation. 

• Environment: Living in a dry, windy, or low-humidity climate increases risk. 

• Smoking: Both active smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are risk factors. 

• Contact lens wear: Wearing contact lenses can increase the risk of developing dry eye. 

• Air quality: Exposure to air pollution can contribute to dry eye. 

• Medications: Certain medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, some antidepressants, and drugs for blood pressure, can cause or worsen dry eye. 

• Eye surgery: A history of refractive eye surgery can be a risk factor. 

• Take breaks from screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) and remember to consciously blink. 

• Apply warm compresses: A warm, moist washcloth can help loosen debris from your eyelids. 

• Clean your eyelids: Gently rub the base of your eyelashes with a mild soap or baby shampoo to reduce irritation. 

• Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors and try to avoid smoke and wind. 

• Stay hydrated and eat well: Drink plenty of liquids and include foods rich in omega-3s like walnuts and flaxseed. 

• Artificial tears: Use preservative-free artificial tears if you need them more than four times a day to avoid irritation. 

• Lubricating gels and ointments: Thicker ointments can provide longer-lasting relief, especially at night. 

• Prescription eye drops: If symptoms are severe, an eye doctor may prescribe drops like cyclosporine to help your eyes produce more tears.