How to Identify and Manage Dry Eye Syndrome
Do your eyes often feel dry, itchy, or irritated? Are you experiencing blurry vision or discomfort when wearing contact lenses? If you've been grappling with these issues, you may be one of the many individuals dealing with dry eye syndrome. In this blog, we'll dive into what dry eye syndrome is, its common symptoms, the latest treatments available, and how to manage it effectively.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a chronic condition that occurs when your eyes can't produce enough quality tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Tears are essential for maintaining the health of the front surface of the eye and for providing clear vision. When there's an imbalance in the tear production process, it can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms.
Here is a list of the most common dry eye syndrome symptoms:
- A stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes
- Stringy mucus in or around your eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Eye redness
- A sensation of having something in your eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Difficulty with nighttime driving
- Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes
- Blurred vision or eye fatigue
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Diagnosing Dry Eye Syndrome
Diagnosing dry eye is a complex process that involves a combination of symptoms and ocular surface evaluation. This evaluation includes various tests such as staining, which highlights damaged cells due to inflammation, meibography for infrared imaging of meibomian glands, assessing lacrimal lake height to determine tear quantity and volume, analyzing tear osmolarity for insights into tear quality and volume, checking lid wiper hygiene and gland expressibility, studying tear physiology to understand natural blink patterns, and measuring tear breakup time as an indicator of tear quality. Additionally, inflammation markers like matrix metalloproteinase-9 or decreased lactoferrin may also be considered during the diagnosis.
Latest Treatment for Dry Eye Syndrome
The good news is that dry eye syndrome is a treatable condition. There have been significant advancements in the field, and several effective treatments are available. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of your condition. Here are some of the latest treatment options for dry eye syndrome.
Over-the-Counter Eye Drops (Artificial Tears)
These drops come in varying thicknesses and can supplement your natural tears, providing relief from dryness and discomfort.
Lid Hygiene and Supplements: Incorporate lid wipes and supplements into your routine to reduce inflammation and promote overall eye health.
Prescription Medicines: Your eye doctor may prescribe dry eye syndrome medications such as cyclosporines (Restasis or Cequa) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) to stimulate tear production and reduce inflammation.
Punctal Plugs: By increasing the volume of tears in the tear film, punctal plugs help retain moisture and relieve dry eye symptoms.
Gland Expression: Unclog blocked glands to stabilize the tear film and improve tear quality.
Blephadex Procedure: This specialized treatment cleans lids and lashes, enhancing eye comfort and reducing irritation.
Biologic Treatments: Innovative biologic therapies harness your natural antibodies and growth factors to facilitate healing and alleviate dry eye symptoms.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address specific issues. Loose tissue on the white of the eye or eyelids that no longer provide adequate protection and tear distribution can be corrected surgically.
How to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome
If you're experiencing any symptoms of dry eye syndrome, it's crucial to seek professional care promptly. The team at Bolt Eye Group is here to provide expert guidance and personalized treatment options tailored to your unique needs. Don't let dry eye syndrome impact your quality of life—book an eye exam with us today, and take the first step towards comfortable, clear, and healthy eyes.
Remember, dry eye syndrome treatment is possible, and you don't have to suffer in silence. Take action, seek treatment, and start enjoying the comfort of well-hydrated, happy eyes.