Dry Eyes

Overview

Dry eyes occurs when the glands around the eyes produce too little tears on its surface to maintain adequate lubrication and protection. As a result, the eyes are easily subjected to irritants, leading to discomfort.

Causes

This condition can be triggered by a multitude of factors:

Environmental factors
Pollutants, haze, smoke and the low humidity in air-conditioned rooms often irritate our eyes and cause discomfort.

Aging
As we grow older, the rate of tear flow and the "effectiveness" of tears decrease. Dry eyes is also more common among postmenopausal female.

Contact Lens Wear
Some contact lens material may absorb more moisture from the eyes.

Visual Tasks
Eye fatigue from prolonged computer use and staring at TV screens decrease the frequency of blinking which is essential to recoat the surface of the eye with tear film and may lead to dry eyes.

Other Causes
Certain medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect. Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren's syndrome can also cause dry eyes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of dry eyes include one or more of the following:

• Burning and stinging sensation that may be worse in air-conditioned or windy surroundings
• Itching
• Mucous secretions in the eye
• Redness
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Scratchiness, grittiness, or a "foreign body" sensation
• Excessive tearing (this is due to decreased lipids and mucus in the tear film)
• Intermittent blurring of vision, restored by blinking

Risk Factors

Office workers who spend prolong periods in front of a computer screen are more prone to developing dry eyes, as are people who stay in dry air-conditioned environments for extended periods. In addition, those in within the middle-age category (40s and 50s) are also more susceptible to this condition.

Prevention

Observing certain rituals such as reducing time spent in front of a computer screen or not staying in an air-conditioned room too long can lower the chances of developing this condition.

When To Seek Help

It is advisable to consult an eye specialist if you experience problems in secreting tears from your eyes.

Treatment Options

In most patients, dry eyes can be relieved through the use of artificial tears. In severe dry eyes, a preservative free ocular lubricant is preferred. These can be used as often as needed.

Alternatively, eye surgeons drain tears out of the eye into the nose through a small passage. The opening to this passage can be closed by special plugs so as to trap our tears.

Where To Seek Treatment

The medical institutions within SingHealth that offer consultation and treatment for this condition include:

Singapore National Eye Centre
11 Third Hospital Avenue,
Singapore 168751

Tel: (65) 6227 7255 (Office Hours)
      (65) 6532 4865,  6532 8833 (After Office Hours)