Causes and risk factors
A dry eye is caused due to insufficient production of tears. It also occurs due to lack of meibomian gland to produce enough quantity of oil which leads to evaporation of the tears. A dry eye is physiologically seen in old ages. Windy or dusty climate, use of certain medications, reduce blinking of eyes due to long starring at computer of television screens. Dry eyes are also caused as a result of certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, sjogrens diseases etc. Prolong use of contact lens or sitting for a long time in heating or cooling system like air conditioners.
Clinical presentation:
Dryness of the eyes is the characteristic symptoms seen. The person comes up with complaints of burning sensation in eyes. Dryness can also lead to itching of eyes, Redness of eyes is seen. At times the patients comes up with sensation is if some foreign particle is blocked in the eyes. Inability to cry is seen.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the examination carried out by the ophthalmologist. Tests to measure the volume and quality of tears is done.
Treatment:
Usually dry eyes cannot be completely cured. Symptomatic relief can be given. Treatment of the underlying disease needs to be done. Use of artificial tear solution which is readily available at the counters is the first line of treatment. Use of punctual plugs is recommended which will help to retain the tears in eyes for a longer time. Using sunglasses at outdoor locations, regularly blinking of eyes, nutrition which is adequate in essential fatty acids are certain measures which needs to be implemented.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the disease. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints.
Recent update:
Research is going on by the National Eye Institute in testing the efficacy of the novel drugs named P321 for treating dry eyes.
