Reviewed by Richard Adler, MD
Dry eye syndrome is caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Consequences of dry eyes range from subtle but constant eye irritation to significant inflammation and even scarring of the front surface of the eye. In addition to being called dry eye syndrome, dry eye disease, or simply “dry eye,” alternative medical terms used to describe dry eyes include:
• Keratitis sicca. Generally used to describe dryness and inflammation of the cornea.
• Keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Used to describe dry eye that affects both the cornea and the conjunctiva.
• Dysfunctional tear syndrome. Used to emphasize that inadequate quality of tears can be just as important as inadequate quantity.
Dry eyes can become red and irritated, causing a feeling of scratchiness.
Prevalence Of Dry Eye
Dry eyes are very common, and dry eye syndrome is a major reason for visits to the eye doctor. A recent online poll revealed that nearly half (48 percent) of Americans age 18 and older regularly experience dry eye symptoms.
Also, results from a 2012 Gallup poll show that more than 26 million Americans suffer from dry eyes, and this number is expected to increase to more than 29 million within 10 years.
Other sources estimate that nearly five million Americans age 50 and older have clinically significant dry eye syndrome, and dry eyes affect nearly twice as many women as men.
Dry Eye Symptoms
Symptoms of dry eyes and dry eye syndrome include:
• Burning sensation
• Itchy eyes
• Aching sensations
• Heavy eyes
• Fatigued eyes
• Sore eyes
• Dryness sensation
• Red eyes
• Photophobia (light sensitivity)
• Blurred vision
Another common symptom is something called a foreign body sensation — the feeling that grit or some other object or material is “in” your eye and as odd as it may sound, watery eyes also can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome. This is because dryness on the eye’s surface sometimes will over-stimulate production of the watery component of your tears as a protective mechanism. But this “reflex tearing” does not stay on the eye long enough to correct the underlying dry eye condition.
In addition to these symptoms, dry eyes can cause inflammation and (sometimes permanent) damage to the surface of the eye. Dry eye syndrome also can affect the outcomes of LASIK and cataract surgery.
What Causes Dry Eye Syndrome?
An adequate and consistent layer of tears on the surface of the eye is essential to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable and seeing well. Tears bathe the eye’s surface to keep it moist and wash away dust, debris and microorganisms that could damage the cornea and lead to an eye infection.
A normal tear film consists of three important components:
1 An oily (lipid) component
2 A watery (aqueous) component
3 A mucous-like (mucin) component
Dry eye syndrome:
Each component of the tear film serves a critical purpose. For example, tear lipids help keep the tear film from evaporating too quickly and increase lubrication, while mucin helps anchor and spread the tears across the surface of the eye.
Each tear component is produced by different glands on or near the eye:
1 The oily component is produced by meibomian glands in the eyelids.
2 The watery component is produced by lacrimal glands located behind the outer aspect of the upper eyelids.
3 The mucin component is produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva that covers the white of the eye (sclera).
A problem with any of these sources of tear film components can result in tear instability and dry eyes, and there are different categories of dry eyes, depending on which component is affected.
For example, if the meibomian glands don’t produce or secrete enough oil (meibum), the tear film may evaporate too quickly — a condition called “evaporative dry eye.” The underlying condition — called meibomian gland dysfunction — is now recognized as a significant factor in many cases of dry eye syndrome.
In other cases, the primary cause of dry eye is a failure of the lacrimal glands to produce enough watery fluid (aqueous) to keep the eyes adequately moistened. This condition is called “aqueous deficiency dry eye.”
The specific type of dry eye often will determine the type of treatment your eye doctor recommends to give you relief from your dry eye symptoms.
Eyes Are Dry Most Often When Springtime Allergens Are In The Air:
May 2015 — Ever notice that your eyes are dryer in April than during other months? This happens to be the same month when springtime allergens are peaking, and a study seems to have found a definitive link between them.
Researchers at the University of Miami reviewed 3.4 million visits to Veterans Affairs eye clinics between 2006 and 2011, when about 607,000 people were diagnosed with dry eye.
They also looked at the prevalence of dry eye and allergies and found that both peaked in springtime, especially in April. (Dry eye also spikes in wintertime, likely due to lower indoor humidity.) Since dry eyes are linked to allergies, then allergy prevention such as wearing goggles outside and using air filters inside could also help prevent dry eyes.
The study results appeared on the journal Ophthalmology’s website in late April. — L.S.
They also looked at the prevalence of dry eye and allergies and found that both peaked in springtime, especially in April. (Dry eye also spikes in wintertime, likely due to lower indoor humidity.)
Since dry eyes are linked to allergies, then allergy prevention such as wearing goggles outside and using air filters inside could also help prevent dry eyes.
The study results appeared on the journal Ophthalmology’s website in late April. — L.S.
Factors Associated With Dry Eye Syndrome
A number of factors can increase your risk of dry eyes. These include:
• Computer use. When working at a computer or using a smartphone or other portable digital device, we tend to blink our eyes less fully and less frequently, which leads to greater tear evaporation and increased risk of dry eye symptoms.
• Contact lens wear. Though it can be difficult to determine the exact extent that contact lens wear contributes to dry eye problems, dry eye discomfort is a primary reason why people discontinue contact lens wear.
• Aging. Dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, but it becomes increasingly more common later in life, especially after age 50.
• Menopause. Post-menopausal women are at greater risk of dry eyes than men of the same age.
• Indoor environment. Air conditioning, ceiling fans and forced air heating systems all can decrease indoor humidity and/or hasten tear evaporation, causing dry eye symptoms.
• Outdoor environment. Arid climates and dry or windy conditions increase dry eye risks.
• Frequent flying. The air in the cabins of airplanes is extremely dry and can lead to dry eye problems, especially among frequent flyers.
• Smoking. In addition to dry eyes, smoking has been linked to serious eye problems, including macular degeneration, cataracts and uveitis. (For details, see our infographic about why smoking is bad for your eyes.)
• Health conditions. Certain systemic diseases — such as diabetes, thyroid-associated diseases, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome — contribute to dry eye problems.
• Medications. Many prescription and nonprescription medicines — including antihistamines, antidepressants, certain blood pressure medications and birth control pills — increase the risk of dry eye symptoms.
• Eyelid problems. Incomplete closure of the eyelids when blinking or sleeping — a condition called lagophthalmos, which can be caused by aging or occur after cosmetic blepharoplasty or other causes — can cause severe dry eyes that can lead to a corneal ulcer if left untreated.
Also, LASIK and other corneal refractive surgery can sometimes cause dry eyes. In most cases, however, dry eye discomfort after LASIK is temporary and resolves within a few weeks of the procedure. If you have dry eyes prior to LASIK, your eye doctor may recommend a dry eye treatment regimen before your procedure to insure the best possible LASIK results.
Comments are closed