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Dry Eye Syndrome

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dry-eyes

Eye Health

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes lack adequate lubrication. Tears are essential for keeping the surface of the eye smooth, moist, and clear. When there's an imbalance in the production or quality of tears, it can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential complications.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Patients often experience different symptoms of dry eye syndrome, but a few commonly occurring symptoms include:

Dryness

The most commonly reported symptom is a feeling of dryness in the eyes.

Redness

The whites of your eyes may appear red or bloodshot due to the mild irritation that comes from the eyes being poorly lubricated.

Burning or Stinging

You might feel a burning or stinging sensation in the eyes.

Blurry Vision

Your vision may be getting blurred or hazy.

Light Sensitivity

You may experience discomfort or find it harder to see when you’re near bright lights.

Eye Fatigue

Your eyes may feel more tired or fatigued than usual at the end of the day or after long sessions reading or on the computer.

Excessive Tearing

Paradoxically, some individuals experience excessive tearing as the eyes try to compensate for dryness.

Prevalence of Dry Eye

54.3 %

40+ Years Old

67.3 %

71+ Years Old

51.0 %

Male Patient 40+

57.2 %

Female Patient 40+

*National Library of Medicine, Oman Journal of Ophthalmology, 2015 Sep-Dec, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4738658/

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

There are a number of factors that are likely to contribute to dry eye syndrome, these include:

Aging

As we age, the eyes naturally produce less tears, leading to dry eyes.

Hormonal Changes

Women tend to be more susceptible to dry eye syndrome due to hormonal changes during periods, pregnancy or menopause.

Medical Conditions

Certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid disorders, and diabetes can cause dry eye syndrome.

Medications

Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants, can lead to dry eyes as a side effect.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to dry air, wind, weather and smoke can also cause dry eye syndrome.

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Care Methods

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatment

The treatment of dry eye syndrome depends on the severity of the condition. Dry eye treatment methods usually include:

eye-drops-application

Prescription eye drops

These can increase tear production and reduce inflammation.

Over the counter medicine

Certain medicines can support and increase tear production and are available as gels, pills, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Heated masks & wands

Use of heated masks and wands to stimulate and refresh the eyes.

Lifestyle changes

Making changes to your environment and lifestyle, such as staying hydrated and reducing alcohol intake, using a humidifier, avoiding exposure to smoke and harsh weather conditions, as well as consuming less caffeine can all help to reduce your symptoms and discomfort.

Laser Eye Surgery

Can You Have Laser Eye Surgery 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. It's crucial to discuss your dry eye condition with an ophthalmologist before considering any laser eye surgery.

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Side Effects

Does Laser Eye Surgery Cause Dry Eyes?

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laser-info-icon

Laser eye surgery can temporarily cause dry eye symptoms immediately following the procedure. This occurs due to the disruption of nerve fibres responsible for tear production during the surgery. However, for most patients, this dryness is temporary and typically resolves as the eyes heal. Rarely, some individuals may experience persistent dry eye symptoms after surgery, particularly if they had pre-existing dry eye issues.

Surgery Options

Which surgery is most suitable with 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.

Here's a brief overview of ICL and Refractive Lens Exchange surgeries concerning dry eye syndrome:

Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL)

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Suitability

ICL surgery involves placing a lens implant in front of the eye's natural lens, but it doesn't alter the corneal surface. Therefore, it's generally considered more suitable for individuals with dry eyes compared to procedures like LASIK or PRK, which involve reshaping the cornea.

Advantages

Since the cornea remains untouched, it's less likely to induce or exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

Considerations

However, as with any surgery, there might be temporary dryness post-procedure due to factors like medications used during the process or eye inflammation, which should resolve during the healing period.

Refractive Lens Exchange (RLE)

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Suitability

RLE involves replacing the eye's natural lens with an artificial intraocular lens (IOL). Similar to ICL, RLE doesn’t directly affect the corneal surface, making it a potential option for individuals with dry eyes.

Advantages

RLE can correct refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, and it's generally associated with reduced risks of dry eye symptoms compared to corneal-based surgeries like LASIK.

Considerations

As with any surgical procedure, there might be temporary dryness post-surgery. However, this is typically managed with prescribed eye drops and resolves as the eyes heal.

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 an eye care professional. They can 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.

Always ensure to discuss your dry eye condition thoroughly with your eye surgeon to minimize potential risks and ensure the best possible outcome.

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