Question 1

What is dry eye syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Dry eye syndrome occurs when there is a breakdown in the body's production of the tears that moisten, protect and cleanse the eyes. Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye problems, and it becomes more common as people age because tear production can diminish as part of the aging process. More women are affected than men, and the syndrome is more likely to flare up at times of hormonal change such as after menopause or during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Birth control pills can trigger dry eye syndrome, and so can numerous other medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, decongestants, antianxiety agents and diuretics or other blood pressure pills.

Question 2

What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Dry eye syndrome can cause: • Burning or itchy eyes • A feeling of something gritty (like sand) in the eyes • Sensitivity to light • Difficulty wearing contact lenses • Excessive tearing Excessive tearing may seem to be an unusual symptom for dry eye syndrome. But these irritant tears, produced as a reflex reaction to the syndrome, contain more water than normal tears, which have a balance of water, fat and mucus. Therefore, the excess tears just run off the eyes and cannot lubricate them as healthy tears do.

Question 3

How is dry eye syndrome diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

After speaking with you about your eye symptoms and general health, including past medical problems, your doctor may suspect ocular dryness. A complete physical examination, and sometimes, certain blood tests may help to determine whether an associated autoimmune disorder is present.

Question 4

Can dry eye syndrome be prevented?

Accepted Answer

To reduce your chances of developing dry eyes, try the following: • Reduce your exposure to some of the conditions that can cause or aggravate the condition, including wind, smoke, chemical vapors, dry heat, hair dryers and air conditioning. • Use a humidifier indoors. • Stop wearing contact lenses if you have any dry eye symptoms. • To avoid the diminished blinking that can make symptoms worse, take regular breaks if you spend long hours at a computer screen or doing close work. Pay particular attention to these precautions if you have a medical condition or take a medication that is associated with dry eye syndrome.

Question 5

How is dry eye syndrome treated?

Accepted Answer

The two methods of treatment are to replace tears or to conserve them. In most cases, you can use artificial tears, which are available over the counter and mimic the composition of natural tears. Lubricating ointments can be used for more severe cases, but they tend to blur vision and so should be applied at bedtime. If these do not relieve the symptoms, your doctor may try to conserve tears by plugging the tear drain holes, called puncta, with tiny plugs made of collagen or silicone. In the worst cases, the holes can be closed permanently using electric cauterization.

Question 6

When should you see a doctor about dry eye syndrome?

Accepted Answer

Call your doctor if your symptoms last more than a few days. Consult a doctor before beginning treatment with over-the-counter artificial tears.

Question 7

What is the outlook for dry eye syndrome?

Accepted Answer

For the vast majority of cases, the prognosis is good because the condition is more of an annoyance than a danger to your health or your eyes. Symptoms often resolve quickly if you remove contact lenses or change your medications or your environment. Even when symptoms persist, they usually can be controlled.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Key points

What Is It?

Symptoms

Diagnosis

Expected Duration

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Dry Eye Syndrome

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Symptoms

Diagnosis

Expected Duration

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