Here are the things you need to know about dry eye disease
Dry eye disease is described as the instability of the tear film which is a thin, fluid-based layer that protects the eye.
The tear film also promotes wound healing and helps maintain quality vision. The tears that support this layer respond to environmental stressors without discomfort, visual disturbance, and you are not aware of this, based on the article in The Healthy.
However, the problem occurs when there is a loss of tear balance in your eye which is a result of tear glands that do not produce enough tears, a problem known as “aqueous tear deficiency” and tears evaporating too fast, known as “evaporative dry eye”.
Symptoms
- feeling like there’s something gritty or sandy in your eye
- burning, stinging, and redness
- blurry vision—including fluctuations throughout the day
- sharp pains in the eye
- eye heaviness and light sensitivity
Causes
- Genetically (if you have certain systemic conditions like autoimmune diseases)
- Shifting hormone levels (this is why women are more likely to have dry eyes than men)
- Age (post-menopausal females)
- Lifestyle (the huge increase in computer and digital device usage)
Treatment
“Dry eye is a chronic condition. Similar to someone with hypertension or diabetes, it’s a long-term condition that needs to be managed and treated—but there’s not a cure,” Kristyna Lensky Sipes, OD, an optometrist from Stanford Ranch Optometry in California said.
- Intense pulsed light therapy – decreases inflammation, unblocking the eye’s oil glands and restoring healthy function
- Heat therapies – target inflamed oil glands
- Punctal plugs – temporary, dissolvable collagen plugs and permanent silicone plugs but patients can also choose to have their puncta (drainage point for your tears) permanently closed
- Home care – healthy eye care routines and prepare for flare-ups