DRY EYE

What is Dry Eye?

The surface of the eye is continuously bathed by a layer of tear which keeps the eye wet, protects the eye against infection and assists in healing of surface wounds. In the condition called dry eye syndrome, the quality and/or quantity of tear is abnormal, and this results in damage of the ocular surface, irritation of the eyes or visual disturbances.

What causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye may be caused by or aggravated by a variety of factors, including hormonal change, age, viewing or occupational habits, ocular surgery, certain ocular and systemic diseases and medications, as well as a condition of the eyelid called Meibomian gland disease. Your doctor will advise you whether you have any ocular and systemic diseases or drugs that can aggravate dry eyes and what to do in those circumstances. In many cases no obvious reason for dry eyes can be found. 
 
 
Figure 1. Interpalpebral corneal fluorescein dye staining in a patient with dry eye

What can I do about Dry Eye?

Changing of environment such as reduced contact lens wear, lowering of height of computer monitors, less exposure to air conditioning, sufficient sleep and a balanced diet with sufficient Omega-3 lipid components can have a significant impact on the control of dry eyes.

What can eye doctors do for dry eye patients?

The role of eye doctors in dry eye includes the following: assessment and treatment for other conditions that may look like or coexist with dry eye, for example, allergic eye diseases, eye infections, loss of sensation of the cornea, and eyelid deformity; assessment for dry eye related to systemic illnesses such as thyroid eye disease, counseling on the eye related interventions that may aggravate the condition, for example corneal surgery for myopia and assessment of dry eye severity. 

What kinds of treatments are available for Dry Eye?

In cases of dry eyes that do not have clinical damage to the ocular surface (what your doctor refer to as staining or keratitis), it is considered safe for patients to attempt to control the condition using over-the-counter medications called lubricants without regular visits to health care practitioners. Severe dry eye can be treated using more sophisticated methods such as steroids, punctal occlusion or surgery to close the lids.

Please visit the following relevant links :-

Corneal & External Eye Disease Service
Outcome Results on Corneal & External Eye Disease Procedures
Corneal & External Eye Disease Clinical Staff
I Want an Eye Examination / an Appointment
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