What Is Dry Eye? Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Options

Introduction

Dry eye, also known as dry eye disease or dry eye syndrome, is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and potential vision issues. While it may seem like a minor irritation, untreated dry eye can significantly impact daily life. In this guide, we will explore the symptoms, causes, and advanced treatments for dry eye, with a focus on options available in the UK.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can affect one or both eyes. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Dryness: A persistent feeling of dryness in the eyes.
• Itching or Burning Sensation: A stinging or burning feeling, often exacerbated by environmental factors such as wind or smoke.
• Redness: Inflamed or bloodshot eyes.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary blurriness that clears with blinking.
• Sensitivity to Light: Increased discomfort in bright lighting.
• Watery Eyes: Surprisingly, dry eyes can cause watery eyes due to the irritation.
• Gritty Feeling: A sensation that there is something in the eye, like sand or dirt.

These symptoms can worsen throughout the day, particularly if you're exposed to prolonged screen time or dry, windy environments.

Causes of Dry Eye

There are multiple factors that can lead to dry eye, including lifestyle, age, and medical conditions. Some key causes include:

1. Tear Film Dysfunction: Your tears consist of three layers – oil, water, and mucus. If any of these layers are imbalanced, tears may evaporate too quickly, leading to dry eye.

2. Ageing: As we age, tear production naturally decreases. Dry eye is more common in adults over 50.

3. Medical Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, diabetes, and thyroid issues can lead to dry eye. Additionally, hormonal changes, especially in women during menopause, can trigger this condition.

4. Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure treatments, can reduce tear production.

5. Environmental Factors: Dry, windy, or smoky environments can cause tear evaporation. Extended use of air conditioning and heating systems can also contribute to dry eye.

6. Prolonged Screen Use: Spending long hours staring at digital screens can reduce the frequency of blinking, leading to dry eyes.

7. Contact Lens Wear: Regular use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eye by irritating the surface of the eyes.

Diagnosis of Dry Eye

If you experience any symptoms of dry eye, it's essential to seek professional advice from an Eye Clinic in the UK. At a qualified Eye Hospital in the UK, specialists will conduct a comprehensive eye examination to diagnose dry eye. This may involve assessing your tear production, and the quality of your tear film, and checking for any underlying conditions that could be contributing to the problem.

Advanced Treatments for Dry Eye

Fortunately, there are many treatments available for dry eye, ranging from over-the-counter solutions to advanced medical interventions. Depending on the severity of the condition, your eye specialist will recommend the most suitable treatment options.

1. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Eye Drops

For mild cases, artificial tears can provide temporary relief by supplementing the natural moisture in the eyes. These are available without a prescription and can be used throughout the day.

2. Prescription Medications

For more persistent cases, prescription eye drops may be needed to reduce inflammation and stimulate tear production. Some of these medications include cyclosporine (Restasis) and lifitegrast (Xiidra).

3. Punctal Plugs

To prevent tear drainage, punctal plugs may be inserted into the tear ducts. These tiny devices block the ducts, ensuring that tears stay on the eye's surface longer.

4. Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene

Applying warm compresses to the eyelids and practising good eyelid hygiene can help treat underlying causes of dry eye, such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which affects the oil layer of the tear film.

5. Omega-3 Supplements

Research suggests that Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce dry eye symptoms by improving the quality of tear film. These can be taken in the form of dietary supplements.

6. IPL Treatments

For those with more severe or chronic dry eye, medical and IPL treatments (Intense Pulsed Light therapy) offer advanced solutions. IPL treatments have shown promising results in treating meibomian gland dysfunction by reducing inflammation and improving oil production in the tear film.

7. Autologous Serum Eye Drops

In more severe cases, your specialist may recommend autologous serum eye drops, which are created using your own blood. These drops contain growth factors and healing properties that can help restore the eye's surface.

8. Liposomal Sprays

These sprays are designed to improve the lipid layer of the tear film and can be applied directly to the eyelids to stabilise tear evaporation.

9. Surgical Treatments

In extreme cases where other treatments have failed, surgery may be considered. This can involve permanently closing the tear ducts or addressing eyelid issues that may be contributing to dry eye.

Lifestyle Adjustments for Managing Dry Eye

Alongside medical treatments, making certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate dry eye symptoms and prevent them from worsening:

• Blink Frequently: Especially during screen use, make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep your eyes lubricated.
• Use a Humidifier: Dry environments can exacerbate dry eye, so consider using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air, especially in the winter months.
• Take Breaks from Screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to give your eyes a break from screen strain.
• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays by wearing wrap-around sunglasses when outdoors.

When to See an Eye Specialist?

If your dry eye symptoms persist or worsen despite using over-the-counter solutions, it’s important to visit a specialised Eye Clinic in the UK. An eye specialist will conduct a thorough examination and provide an individualised treatment plan, which may include the latest advanced treatments for dry eye.

Additionally, if you experience any of the following symptoms, immediate consultation with an Eye Hospital in the UK is recommended:

• Sudden vision changes.
• Severe eye pain or discomfort.
• Excessive eye redness.
• Persistent eye discharge.