Corneal Conditions

What is 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 dysfunction of one or more of the components of tear production and/or dynamics.

The lids play a key role because of:

• Their blinking action
• The oil glands contained in the eyelids, which are responsible for the critical oily component of a normal tear film.

Symptoms

Burning or a gritty feeling of the eyes, often accompanied by episodes of tearing are the most common symptoms. The associated heaviness of the eyelids and a precipitate or even frank discharge upon waking is common. The intermittent blurring of vision and even episodic double vision may occur.

Treatment

The cornerstone 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.