Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a chronic condition that occurs when the eyes don’t produce enough lubricating tears or the tears produced are not of the right consistency. Tears are necessary for eye health because they provide lubrication, help reduce the risk of infection, and cleanse the eyes from any dirt or other irritants. When a person experiences dry eye syndrome, the eyes become dry, itchy, and irritated. The symptoms may be temporary or persistent and can reduce quality of vision.

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

The exact cause of dry eye syndrome is not completely known, however factors that can contribute to the condition include:

• Environment – living in areas with high winds, dry climates or smoky conditions can contribute to dry eye.
• Aging – over the age of 50, tear production naturally decreases.
• Medications – certain medications such as antihistamines, antidepressants, and certain types of blood pressure medications can contribute to dry eyes.
• Medical conditions – diseases that affect the tear-producing glands such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or Diabetes can also be a factor.
• Eye surgery – after certain eye surgeries, it is common for the eyes to remain dry.
• Contact lens wear – depending on the type and the size of contact lens, it can contribute to dry eyes.
• Dry eye is also a problem for people who stare at computer screens for long periods of time.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

The symptoms of dry eye syndrome can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include burning, itchy, stinging, redness of the eyes, the sensation of a foreign body in the eyes, and blurred vision. Dry eyes can also lead to sensitivity to light and difficulty wearing contact lenses.

Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

The treatment of dry eye syndrome depends on the underlying cause, but generally includes eye drops, lubricating ointments, or prescribing a more aggressive regimen of eye drops or ointment. In more severe cases, special plugs may be needed to keep the tear ducts from draining the tears away too quickly. Additionally, some medical conditions that can lead to dry eye syndrome can be addressed with medications and lifestyle changes.

Prevention of Dry Eye Syndrome

In order to prevent dry eye syndrome, it is important to take precautions to protect the eyes from the harsh elements. Wearing sunglasses regularly in order to keep out wind and dust can help reduce the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. Additionally, using humidifiers can help keep the air around the eyes moist. Last, taking frequent breaks from the computer can help prevent the eyes from getting too dried out.