An analysis of dry eye syndrome: part 1

Dry eye is a prevalent condition, which provokes irritation and discomfort, interrupting daily life. In the first article of a two-part series, distinguished optometrist Mr Dilesh Makwana discusses the causes, symptoms and diagnosis of dry eye.

What causes dry eye, and how does it affect my eyes?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can happen due to various factors such as the following:

• Ageing.
• Hormonal changes.
• Environmental conditions (such as dry air or wind).
• Prolonged screen time.
• Certain medications.
• Medical conditions (such as autoimmune diseases).
• Eye surgery.

What are the symptoms of dry eye, and how can I identify them?

When you have dry eye syndrome, your eyes may feel dry, gritty, or itchy. You may also experience symptoms such as stinging, burning sensations, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and discomfort when wearing contact lenses. In severe cases, dry eye can damage the surface of your eye and impair vision if left untreated. 

How is dry eye diagnosed, and what tests are involved?

Dry eye can be diagnosed through a combination of symptoms assessment, medical history review, and various tests conducted by an eye care professional. Some common diagnostic tests for dry eye include:

Symptoms assessment

Your eye doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, medications you're taking, as well as environmental factors that may contribute to dry eye.

Visual acuity test:

This standard eye exam measures how well you see at various distances.

Tear production test:

Schirmer's test involves placing small strips of filter paper inside your lower eyelids to measure tear production over a certain period.

Tear quality assessment

Your doctor may examine the quality of your tears using special dyes to assess how quickly they evaporate or if there are any irregularities in their composition.

Fluorescein and lissamine green staining

These dyes help to highlight damage to the surface of the eye caused by dryness.

Meibomian gland assessment

Your doctor may evaluate the function and structure of the meibomian glands, which produce the oily layer of tears that helps prevent evaporation.

Osmolarity testing

This measures the concentration of solutes in your tears, which can indicate dry eye disease.

These tests help your optometrist to determine the underlying cause and severity of your dry eye and tailor a treatment plan accordingly.

If you are suffering from dry eye syndrome and would like to book a consultation with Mr Makwana, do not hesitate to do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile today