What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (DES) occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the eye's front surface and for providing clear vision. They are composed of three layers: an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucous layer. Any imbalance in these layers can result in DES.
There are two primary types of dry eye syndrome:
- Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: This occurs when the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough of the watery component of tears, resulting in insufficient tear volume
- Evaporative Dry Eye: Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) causes the more common form of DES, leading to tears evaporating too quickly
How to Identify Dry Eye
People with dry eyes can experience various symptoms, which often include:
- Persistent dryness
- Itching or burning sensation
- Redness in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
- Feeling of something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Excessive tearing (as a response to dryness)
What Factors Cause Dry Eye?
Several factors can contribute to the development of DES, including:
- Aging: Tear production decreases with age
- Environmental Conditions: Wind, smoke, and dry climates can exacerbate symptoms
- Screen Use: Prolonged use of computers and digital devices can reduce blinking and tear production
- Contact Lenses: Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can lead to dry eyes
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid disorders can contribute to the condition
- Medications: Certain antihistamines, decongestants, and antidepressants can reduce tear production
Diagnosing and Managing Dry Eye Syndrome
Don’t let this condition control your life. Schedule a consultation at Sawyer Scott Eyecare Center in Sardis or Senatobia. Our team can provide personalized care to relieve your dry eye symptoms and improve your overall eye health. Our approach to diagnosing and managing DES includes:
We take the time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, and family history.
Using state-of-the-art equipment, we evaluate tear production, tear film stability, and the health of your eyelids and cornea.
Based on the diagnosis, we may recommend artificial tears, prescription eye drops, warm compresses, and lifestyle modifications.
We provide continuous support and follow-up care to adjust treatments as needed and ensure optimal results.
