Dry Eye Awareness Month: What You Should Know About Dry Eye Syndrome

What Do We Mean By “Dry Eyes”?

Dry Eye Disease, also known as Ketaroconjunctivitis Sicca, is a condition that occurs when tears do not provide adequate lubrication for the eyes.

The normal tear fluid that lubricates the eyes is made up of three layers – an oily (lipid) layer, a watery (aqueous) layer, and a sticky (mucous) layer – and these normal tears are what prevent our eyes from feeling dry. You release extra tears when you cry. These are the same tears that are also triggered when something goes into or irritates the eye including chopping onions. People with dry eye don't make enough normal (lubricating) tears, causing the tears to dry up too quickly and the front of the eye to become dry and irritated.

Types of dry eye include “evaporative dry eye” which occurs when there is an inadequate amount of oil in tears, and “meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD),” a condition where the eyelid glands do not produce enough oil or it is of poor quality. 

Risk Factors and Causes of Dry Eyes

Some people are more predisposed to developing dry eyes than others. According to the NHS, you may be more likely to get dry eyes if:

1. You're over the age of 50.
2. You wear contact lenses.
3. You look at computer screens for a long time without a break.
4. You spend too much time in air-conditioned or heated environments.
5. You are exposed to windy, cold, dry or dusty environments for too long.
6. You smoke or drink alcohol.
7. You are actively taking medicines (for example, some antidepressants or blood pressure medicines).
8. You are struggling with existing conditions such as blepharitis, Sjögren's syndrome or lupus.
9. You don’t blink enough.

Symptoms of Dry Eyes

When it comes to dry eyes, sufferers usually manifest multiple symptoms. People having to deal with dry eyes would usually complain of the following:

1. Gritty, sandy feeling in the eyes.
2. Itchiness.
3. Extreme sensitivity, especially to light and cigarette smoke.
4. It feels like particles are in the eye.
5. Redness and inflammation.
6. Transient blurry vision.

Data shows that approximately one-third of the adult population in the UK struggles with dry eye disease.

Long-term Effects of Dry Eyes

In most cases. dry eye syndrome will cause significant discomfort to the eyes, without necessarily leading to serious damage of the irreversible variety. However, it wears out the yes, and on some rare occasions, increases the risk of permanent vision loss.

Some of the long-term complications that can be traceable to dry eyes include:

1. A reduction in the ability to perform daily tasks, such as driving and reading.
2. Corneal scratches and ulcers, which can lead to scars on the cornea.
3. Corneal erosion (thinning of the surface of the eye).
4. An increased risk of infection which can lead to vision complications, including blurry vision and (ultimately) vision loss.
5. Reduced tear production over a long period of time increases the risk of permanent damage to the front of the eye (ocular surface disease).

Diagnosis and Treatment

Dry Eye Syndrome is uncomfortable and it interferes with your quality of life. Getting treatment can make a big difference in easing your discomfort and getting your eye health back on track.

Determining the cause of your dry eye condition is important in deciding which treatment options are best for you. Your evaluation consists of a thorough examination and a review of your medical and personal history.

The level of treatment for dry eyes depends on the severity of the condition. Here are some treatment methods that can directly address the symptoms:

1. Over-the-counter eye drops: The most common treatment for mild dry eye is a type of eye drops called artificial tears. You can get these eye drops without a prescription. There are also over-the-counter moisturising gels and ointments that may help your eyes feel better.
2. Prescription medicines: If your dry eye symptoms are more serious, your doctor may give you a prescription for medicines which will help your eyes secrete more tears.
3. Lifestyle changes: If your dry eye is caused by your environment or certain habits, you may need to change things a little just so your eyes can enjoy some protection.

Your eyes may feel better if you:

• Try to avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning
• Use a humidifier to keep the air in your home from getting too dry
• Limit screen time and take breaks from staring at screens
• Wear wraparound sunglasses when you're outside
• Drink plenty of water — try for 8 to 10 glasses every day
• Get enough sleep — about 7 to 8 hours a night.

4. Tear duct plugs: If tears are draining too quickly from your eyes, your doctor may suggest putting special plugs (called punctal plugs) in your tear ducts (small holes in the inner corners of your eyes). These plugs can help keep your tears in your eyes.
5. Surgery: In some cases, dry eye can happen because your lower eyelids are too loose, causing tears to drain too quickly out of your eye. If this is the cause of your dry eye, your eye doctor may suggest surgery to fix your eyelids and help your tears stay on your eyes.

How Optimax Handles Dry Eye Syndrome

When considering eye surgery for individuals with dry eye syndrome, options that involve minimal impact on the corneal surface tend to be more suitable. Optimax’s specialists find that in most cases, Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) and Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE) are the best suitable options for patients with dry eyes. Laser eye surgery, such as LASIK or PRK, might not be suitable for individuals with severe dry eye syndrome. Dry eyes can affect the healing process post-surgery and may lead to complications or prolonged discomfort.

Both ICL and RLE surgeries might be more suitable for individuals with dry eyes due to their minimal impact on the corneal surface. However, the decision should be made after a comprehensive examination and consultation with eye care professionals. Our specialists will assess your specific condition, discuss the potential impact of surgery on dry eyes, and recommend the most suitable procedure based on your eye health and refractive needs.

If you have any questions regarding dry eyes, or regarding eye care and treatment in general, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are more than happy to discuss queries with you over the phone (0800 093 1110) or email (enquiry@optimax.co.uk).