WHAT IS DRY EYE SYNDROME ?
The symptoms of dry eye syndrome are mild for most people, although more severe cases can be painful and lead to complications. Symptoms usually affect both eyes and often include: Feelings of dryness, grittiness or soreness that get worse throughout the dayburning and red eyeseyelids that stick together when you wake uptemporarily blurred vision, which usually improves when you blink . Some people may also have episodes of watering eyes, which can occur if the eye tries to relieve the irritation by producing more tears. They can examine you to check if the problem is caused by an underlying condition, or they may refer you to an eye specialist.
WHAT CAUSES DRY EYE SYNDROME ?
Dry eye syndrome can occur when the complex tear production process is disrupted in some way. There are many different reasons why this can happen, although a single identifiable cause often can't be found. Common causes include: Being in a hot or windy climatewearing contact lensescertain underlying medical conditions, such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids)side effects of certain medications – including antihistamines, antidepressants, beta-blockers and diureticshormonal changes in women – such as during the menopause, pregnancy, or while using the contraceptive pill Although the condition may affect people of any age, your chances of developing dry eye syndrome increase as you grow older. It's estimated up to one in every three people over the age of 65 experiences problems with dry eyes. Dry eye syndrome is more common in women than men.
HOW DRY EYE SYNDROME IS TREATED ?
Dry eye syndrome isn't usually a serious condition. Treatments are available to help relieve the symptoms, which include: Eye drops to lubricate the eyesmedications to reduce any inflammationif necessary, surgery to prevent tears from draining away easily . If dry eye syndrome is caused by an underlying condition, treating this condition usually helps to relieve the symptoms. As well as medical treatments, there are some things you can do yourself to help prevent dry eye syndrome or reduce the symptoms. These include: Keeping your eyes and eyelids clean and protecting them from dusty, smoky, windy and dry environmentsusing your computer or laptop correctly to avoid eye strainusing a humidifier to moisten the aireating a healthy diet that includes omega-3 and omega-7 fats.. Op.Dr.Ahmet UMAY Bristol University Ophtalmology Section United Kingdom Resource : Nhs Choices. UK
