Dry eye syndrome
Dry eyes or so-called keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a common condition affecting patients of all ages. Although not a disease, it represents poor tear function caused by disfunction of one or more of the components of tear production and/or dynamics.
The lids play a key role because of:
- their blinking action and
- the oil glands contained in the eye lids, which are responsible for the critical oily component of a normal tear film.
Burning or a gritty feeling of the eyes, often accompanied by episodes of tearing are the most common symptoms. Associated heaviness of the eyelids and a precipitate or even frank discharge upon waking is common. Intermittent blurring of vision and even episodic double vision may occur.
The corner stone of therapy is the frequent use of artificial tear supplements. Initially very frequent applications may be called for, but as the eye surface recovers, symptoms may be controlled by applying drops two to three times per day. The eyelids are often affected by so called seborrheic eczema, for which scrubbing of the eyelid margin with baby shampoo, morning and evening, is necessary. Depending on the condition of the eye and lids, a short course of antibiotics and cortisone drops may be used. If poor oil gland function is prominent a low dose of oral antibiotics for plus minus four weeks is often recommended. Although the condition cannot be cured, symptoms may be dramatically relieved by the above measures. Aggravating circumstances, for instance wind, heat, air conditioning or extended periods of reading or watching TV and the use of soft contact lenses can be avoided or otherwise attenuated by timely and frequent use of artificial tear supplements.
Plugging of the tear ducts may further reduce the need for tear supplements.
Eyelid Hygiene
(if so directed by doctor):
- 1 drop Johnson’s baby shampoo and 1 tablespoon warm tap water. (mix in egg cup)
- Scrub eyelid margins (above and below) thoroughly with a cotton bud soaked in the above solution. Repeat morning and evening.