Dry Eye Syndrome — causes, symptoms, treatments

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome is an ongoing condition which occurs when your eyes don’t make enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly. Do you notice your eyes are constantly dry and itchy? Dry Eye Disease is a very common condition caused by chronic lack of moisture on the eye. It’s more common in older people, but it can affect anyone — depending on lifestyle and environment.

What causes Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome has a number of causes. It can be a side effect of certain medications or a symptom of a chronic disease. It is particularly common in elderly people. There are several reasons why you might experience dry eyes. Some factors include your eyes not producing enough tears or your tears evaporate too quickly. Believe it or not, a poor diet also can contribute to eye dryness. A few other causes include too much time reading your phone or computer screen, living/working in dry environments, prolonged contact lens wear, certain medicines, and various health conditions (hormonal changes, diabetes, arthritis, or lupus).

Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome can cause your vision to be blurred and make your eyes dry, swollen, red, or watery. It can cause a stinging or burning sensation, or your eyes can feel as if there is something stuck in them. If you ignore your dry eyes, they may have trouble blocking dust and other irritants, which can lead to bacterial infections or inflammation. Although it’s uncomfortable, dry eye syndrome rarely causes permanent vision loss.

Some symptoms of dry eyes include:

swelling
tearing
redness
light sensitivities
drying
stinging/burning
irritation

Treating Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome can usually be managed with good eye hygiene and lubricating eye drops. Symptoms can be relieved by adjusting your environment like using a humidifier when the air is dry. If you are taking medication, speak to your GP to find out if dry eye syndrome could be a side effect and if there is alternative medication. If severe, your Eye Care Professional can discuss other potential management options.

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Footnotes

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