The natural tears of the eye protect and nourish the eye's surface. Doctors diagnose dry eye syndrome when a person has changes in the production and quality of the tears. In people with dry eye, understanding the condition and the treatment options may help reduce the chances for complications from severe cases of dry eye syndrome.
Causes
Dry eye syndrome may result from the natural reduction of tears produced with aging. During menopause, or times of hormonal changes such as pregnancy, women tend to have problems with dry eye. Some medications may cause dry eye, as well as extended computer use. Severe dry eye may also result from conditions such as Sjogren syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that destroys "the glands that produce tears and saliva," explains the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Symptoms
In people with severe dry eye, the surface of the eye will feel scratchy and irritated. The front, clear window of the eye, called the cornea, requires a coating of tear film to help maintain good vision. When the eye's surface dries, vision will blur. The tear film nourishes the cornea, and in some cases, during an exam, the eye doctor will note changes to the thickness of the cornea, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Treatments
Frequent use of artificial tears may help many dry eye sufferers, and some people require a thick ointment to help with comfort, particularly during the night. Prescription medications designed to encourage tear production may help some patients. For cases in which severe dry eye does not respond to artificial tears or medications, an eye doctor may recommend punctual plugs. The doctor places these small, usually silicone, inserts into the small tear duct to prevent the tears from draining, forcing them to stay on the surface of the eye, says the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Complications
Because the cornea relies on the tear film for nourishment, severe dry eye syndrome may result in corneal ulcers or corneal infections. These conditions of the cornea require medical treatment because if left untreated, the cornea may scar, causing permanent vision loss. These conditions typically cause severe eye pain and light sensitivity.
Considerations
To help ease some of the symptoms of dry eye, the American Optometric Association recommends increasing humidity levels for indoor environments and wearing glasses or sunglasses when outdoors for protection from wind and sun. They also suggest drinking water to avoid dehydration.
