Dry eye disease is a multi-factorial disease and is generally a product of one of two reasons: the tears are evaporating too quickly or the eye is not producing enough tears (evaporative vs aqueous deficient). Both of these cause damage to the ocular surface and are associated with symptoms of discomfort and visual disturbance.

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In our current day and age the number of people suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome has dramatically increased, especially in the last 10 years. Until recently, it was believed that dry eyes were caused by decreased production of tears, so artificial tears were prescribed to supplement and decrease symptoms of dryness. However, research and clinical evidence shows that artificial tears only provide immediate relief. It is now thought that the main cause of dry eye is due to poor tear film quality rather than decreased production of the tears.

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Dry eye syndrome is commonly caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction, demodex, ocular allergies, lid interaction, or systemic disease such as Sjogren's syndrome. Also, environmental conditions such as working on a computer, in dusty environments, or sleeping with a ceiling fan on can also cause symptoms.

 

You can take action now buy taking the Ocular Surface Disease Index to get a symptomology score to better understand your grade of dry eye disease. For more information, review our the tabs or visit us at Alamo Eye Care for a proper dry eye evaluation. ​

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