Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition usually caused by issues with tear quality. Tears provide lubrication for the eyes and protect them from environmental irritants. If untreated, dry eye syndrome can lead to corneal damage and corneal ulcers, resulting in decreased vision. In severe cases, it may even cause blindness.
Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome include dryness, frequent blinking, and blurred vision. These symptoms can affect daily life, so early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent the condition from worsening. Causes can include insufficient tear production or uneven distribution of tears.
Dryness and frequent blinking
Itchy eyes
Eye pain
Redness and swelling
Excessive eye discharge
Heavy eyelids and easy fatigue
Sensitivity to light, wind, and foreign body sensation
Blurred or unstable vision
Risk Factors for Dry Eye Syndrome
Anyone can develop dry eye syndrome, but some people are at higher risk. High-risk factors include:
Long-term use of contact lenses
Exposure to windy or dry environments
Excessive use of electronic devices
Smoking
Hormonal influences
Autoimmune or thyroid diseases
Certain medications
Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome
The tears in the eyes are composed of three layers. If any layer is insufficiently secreted or unevenly distributed, it may lead to dry eye syndrome.
Mucous Layer: Secreted by conjunctival cells, this layer helps tears distribute evenly over the eye surface, protecting the conjunctiva from irritants and bacteria.
Aqueous Layer: Secreted by the lacrimal glands, it helps maintain eye moisture, provides nutrients and offers protection.
Lipid Layer: Secreted by the Meibomian glands, this layer forms a film over the eye surface to prevent the evaporation of tears.
Types of Dry Eye Syndrome
Dry eye syndrome can generally be divided into three types: aqueous-deficient, lipid-deficient, and mixed (both aqueous and lipid-deficient).
Lipid-Deficient Type
Normally, the Meibomian glands secrete oils that form a protective lipid layer on the tear surface, reducing evaporation. If the glands do not secrete enough oil, or the oil quality is poor, it leads to lipid-deficient dry eye syndrome.
Aqueous-Deficient Type
Normally, the eye surface is covered by tears, which help to keep the eyes moist and provide nutrients. If the lacrimal glands are damaged, functionally degraded, or abnormal, the eyes cannot produce enough tears, resulting in aqueous-deficient dry eye syndrome.
Mixed Type (Aqueous and Lipid-Deficient)
Mixed dry eye syndrome is the most common and combines features of both aqueous-deficient and lipid-deficient types. Patients experience insufficient tear production (aqueous deficiency) and abnormal oil secretion (lipid deficiency).
Diagnosis Methods for Dry Eye Syndrome
In addition to rapid tests like the Schirmer's test (SM Tube) and TearLab, Clarity Eye Centre has introduced international professional instruments to help diagnose the causes of dry eye syndrome more comprehensively:
Dry Eye Analysis Device IDRA:
-Calculates tear film breakup time
-Measures tear meniscus height (TMH)
-Meibomian gland imaging analysis
-Redness photography
-Panoramic and detailed imaging of the eye surface
Dual Imaging Device LipiView®
-Analyzes the thickness of the tear film lipid layer
-Blink analysis and recording
-Detects lipid layer distribution and Meibomian gland structure
-Screens whether dry eye symptoms are caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)
Corneal Photography Dry Eye Diagnosis Tearcheck
-OSIE® – Ocular Surface Inflammation Evaluation
-TFSE® – Tear Film Stability Evaluation
-Non-invasive tear film breakup test
-Checks for mites, eye redness, blink rate, etc.
Dry Eye Treatment
1. Artificial Tears
Artificial tears mimic natural tears, providing moisture, protecting oils, and producing mucus to relieve dry eye symptoms.
2. Punctal Plugs
Punctal plugs are small gelatinous substances placed in the tear ducts to prevent rapid tear drainage, prolong tear retention on the eye surface and increase tear film stability to alleviate discomfort.
3. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy
Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy uses high-intensity pulsed light to treat the meibomian glands, helping to unclog them and improving symptoms in the eyes and surrounding areas.
4. Tixel
Tixel stimulates meibomian gland secretion and melts solidified secretions, effectively increasing tear film stability to treat dry eyes.
5. LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation Treatment
LipiFlow® Thermal Pulsation Treatment applies heat up to 42.5°C and pulsating pressure directly to the meibomian glands, effectively removing blockages and clearing the glands.
6. Cyclosporine Eye Drops
Cyclosporine eye drops reduce inflammation and promote tear production, making them suitable for treating moderate to severe dry eye.
7. Other Methods to Relieve Dry Eye Symptoms
• Warm compresses on the eyes and cleaning eyelid margins.
• Reduce contact lens wear time.
• Maintain an appropriate reading distance and take breaks.
• Stay hydrated.
• Consuming Omega 3, Vitamins A/C/E helps improve and treat dry eye.
• Avoid smoking.
Service Features
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FAQ
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How long does it take for dry eye syndrome to heal?Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition, and recovery time varies depending on the individual's situation, the severity of symptoms, and whether a correct diagnosis has been made. Mild cases often improve within a few weeks, while severe cases may require longer or even ongoing treatment.
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Can dry eye syndrome be completely cured?If symptoms improve and treatment is paused or high-risk factors (like prolonged contact lens use) are not addressed, dry eye syndrome may recur. Patients should follow their doctor's instructions to adjust their treatment.
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Can diet improve dry eye syndrome?Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet can enhance overall health. Consuming Omega-3, and vitamins A, C, and E can help improve and treat dry eye syndrome.
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If I suspect I have dry eye syndrome, can I buy artificial tears at a pharmacy or regular store to improve it?When purchasing artificial tears, try to use preservative-free eye drops, as preservatives can accumulate on the eye surface and worsen dryness. Artificial tears provide only short-term relief. In the long run, it is advisable to understand the causes of dry eye syndrome, undergo an eye examination, tear film analysis, and receive targeted treatment.
