Dry Eye

Dry Eye refers to a condition that results due to inadequate or ineffective wetting and lubrication of the eye. It primarily occurs due to reduction in quality or quantity of the tears and tear film. With increase in the use of computers, this condition is becoming more prevalent and is known by the name of Computer Vision Syndrome.

What are the symptoms of Dry Eye?
Dry eye commonly presents as the following problems:

• Burning sensation in the eyes
• Grittiness & foreign body like feeling in the eye
• Irritation in the form of itching & stinging
• Redness of the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• Decreased tolerance to contact lenses
• Blurred vision that improves on blinking
• Excess watering of the eye
• Mucus discharge from the eye
• Increased eye discomfort on reading, watching TV, sewing, working on a computer etc.

Are there any known causes for Dry Eye?
Causes for dry eye can be broadly categorised as follows:

• Natural Aging Process as we grow older, there is areduction in the production of natural tears and their effectiveness.
• Environmental Conditions such as hot, dry or windy climate, air pollution, air conditioning, dusty or smoky atmosphere, over heated rooms etc.
• Occupational - working on computers for long periods of time, results in less blinking thus leading to eye strain and dry eye.
• Systemic Diseases - such as Sjogren's Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Sclerosis, Thyroid conditions, Steven Johnson Syndrome.
• Hormonal Changes - like during menopause.
• Medication Side Effects - diuretics, antihistamines, anti depressants, antimuscarinics are known to cause dry eye.
• Vitamin A Deficiency
• Prolonged Contact Lens use
• Radiation Therapy of the head and neck
• Refractive Eye Surgery such as LASIK and PRK
• Eye Trauma
  
• Frequent Air Travel
• Infections and certain eye diseases such as Blepharitis.
• Personal Habits such as smoking, reduced blinking thus leading to excess tear evaporation etc.