Dry eye syndrome (DES or dry eye) is a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Its consequences range from minor irritation to the inability to wear contact lenses and an increased risk of corneal inflammation and eye infections.
What are some dry eyes symptoms?
Symptoms can vary depending on the individual and state of the dryness. Typically dry eyes are associated with a burning/stinging sensation, redness, sandy/gritty eyes, uncontrollable watery eyes. However, a proper diagnosis cannot be made based on symptoms alone.
What treatment options are there?
Treatments range depending on the severity and underlying cause of dry eyes. Treatment could be lubricating drops, omega 3 supplements, to prescription medication and in office procedures to help the eye produce more tears and keep the tears on the eyes longer. To know which option will give you relief, a thorough exam needs to be done to determine what is causing your dry eyes.
What causes dry eyes?
Dry eyes is caused by either the body not producing enough tears or not producing enough oil to coat the tears to prevent them from evaporating at a faster rate. This can be due to age (over 40), medication, various systemic diseases, being in an air condition environment, and from working on the computer.
Can dry eyes be cured?
Dry eye syndrome is an ongoing condition that treatments may be unable to cure. But the symptoms of dry eye – including dryness, scratchiness and burning – can usually be successfully managed.