These dry eye symptoms worsen as the day goes on. Stringy mucus may appear in or around the eyes. Usually patients who have it are aware of their condition. Patients with the most severe disease are at increased risk of developing corneal infection, scarring or ulceration. These conditions can cause permanent vision loss, so it is important to seek professional help if you have severe symptoms.
There are three main components that cause dry eye symptoms and one individual may have one, two or all three components:
Hormonal changes can also be a cause of eye dryness in women, with around 61% experiencing dry eye symptoms as a result of the menopause. Changing hormone levels , such as reductions in androgens and oestrogen during menopause, can affect all three layers of the tear film, impacting the quantity and quality of tears. Find out more in this blog about the link between menopause and eye dryness.
There are a number of treatments available for eye dryness, from lubricating eye drops to Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment. The choice of treatment will depend on the type of dry eye condition a person has and this is best determined by an ophthalmologist who has expertise in the Cornea and Ocular surface.
Visit our Dry Eye Treatments page to find out more.
Severe symptoms are sometimes caused by Sjögren’s syndrome, which is an uncommon chronic, multi-organ, autoimmune disorder that also results in dry mouth and often arthritis. More information about this disease is available on the Sjögren’s Foundation Website.
You should be seen regularly by your doctor and ophthalmologist if you have Sjogren’s syndrome.
Several tests for are used by your doctor. The meniscus of tears, lid wiper action and distribution along with objective tests below provide information. Not all tests are always performed and are done where appropriate depending on a) Symptoms and b) clinical findings.
For information on treatments – please go to our Dry Eye Treatment page
Laser eye surgery, especially traditional Lasik can aggravate dry eye symptoms. Although Centre for Sight uses the IntraLASE laser for Lasik, which reduces the duration and severity patients are first treated for their specific cause. Once corrected they can undergo laser vision correction. If they cannot be corrected, Laser eye surgery will not be recommended and other options may be considered.
Centre for Sight doctors are all fellowship trained in Cornea and the Anterior Segment. In the course of their usual practice, they are often asked to see patients for second opinions and to manage dry eye. You can be confident that you will be evaluated by doctors with expertise in this area at the time of your consultation.
Eye Dryness does not frequently cause blindness, but discomfort is a common reason for seeking assistance. Furthermore, it can impair vision with a decreased ability to perform activities that require visual attention, such as reading and driving a car.
