Dry Eyes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

What are dry eyes? 

Dry eye is a common eye condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly.

What are the symptoms? 

The following are symptoms that may indicate that you have dry eyes:

• A scratchy sensation, as if there is a foreign object in your eye
• Stinging or burning sensations in your eye
• Red eyes
• Light sensitivity
• Blurry vision

What are the causes? 

Glands above your eyes normally produce tears that maintain the moisture of your eyes. If you have dry eyes, it may indicate that:

• Your glands are not producing sufficient tears to ensure your eyes remain wet
• Your tears dry up too quickly

Dry eyes can be caused by various factors, including:

• Age: Tear production tends to diminish as we age, leading to dry eyes.
• Environment: Dry or windy climates, high altitudes, and indoor heating or air conditioning can all contribute to dry eyes.
• Screen use: Staring at screens for extended periods reduces blinking, which can lead to faster evaporation of tears and dry eyes.
• Medical conditions: Conditions such as blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren's syndrome), diabetes, and thyroid disorders can affect tear production.
• Medications: Antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, and medications for high blood pressure can all contribute to dry eyes as a side effect.
• Eye surgery: Certain procedures like LASIK can cause temporary dry eyes as a side effect.
• Contact lens wear: Improper use or wearing contact lenses for extended periods can lead to dry eyes.

How are dry eyes diagnosed?

Your eye doctor can assess for dry eye during a thorough dilated eye exam. The exam is easy and painless – your doctor will provide you with some eye drops to dilate your pupil and examine your eyes for dry eye and other eye-related issues.

Remember to inform your doctor if you suspect you might have dry eyes. Your doctor might check for these signs to identify if you have dry eye:

• The amount of tears your eyes produce.
• The time it takes for your tears to dry up.
• The structure of your eyelids.

How is this condition treated?

Dry eye treatment is typically dependent on the cause of your symptoms. 

• Over-the-counter eye drops: Artificial tears are the most common treatment for mild dry eyes. You can obtain these eye drops without a prescription. Moisturising gels and ointments can also be obtained over the counter to alleviate the condition of your eyes.
• Prescription medicines: If your dry eye condition appears to be severe, your eye doctor may prescribe medicated eye drops that can help your eyes produce more tears.
• Tear duct plugs: If tears are draining too rapidly from your eyes, your doctor may recommend placing special plugs, called punctal plugs, in your tear ducts. These plugs can aid in keeping the tears in your eyes from draining away.
• Surgery: In some instances, dry eye can occur due to your lower eyelids being too loose, leading to tears draining too rapidly out of your eye. If this is the cause of your dry eyes, your doctor may recommend surgery to fix your eyelids and ensure your tears stay in your eyes. However, this treatment is uncommon.

It is always best to work closely with a healthcare professional, typically an eye doctor or ophthalmologist, to determine the specific cause of your dry eyes and develop a tailored treatment plan.

What are the complications of untreated dry eyes?

In severe cases, complications that can occur if your dry eye is left untreated are:

• Persistent eye infections
• Eye inflammation
• Corneal abrasions or ulcers (sores)
• Visual problems 
• Decreased quality of life
• Facing challenges in reading, driving, or doing other things that require good vision

Can dry eyes be prevented?

Preventing dry eyes involves adopting good habits and making changes to your environment or lifestyle that can reduce the likelihood or severity of dry eye symptoms.

For example, your eyes may feel better if you:

• Reduce your screen time and take breaks from staring at screens. 
• Use a humidifier to maintain the moisture levels in the air around you.
• Wear sunglasses when you are outside. 
• Stay hydrated - drink 8 to 10 glasses every day.
• Get sufficient sleep, approximately 7 to 8 hours a night.
• Consult your ophthalmologist about incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet for dry eye alleviation. Omega-3 fatty acids are naturally present in oily fish (such as salmon, sardines, tuna, trout, and anchovies) and flaxseeds. They can also be taken as an additional dietary supplement (pill or tablet).
• If you wake up with dry and scratchy eyes, consider using eye drops of artificial tears just before bed.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Consult our doctors if you are experiencing any symptoms associated to dry eyes. A dedicated and expert team of ophthalmologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have concerns or questions regarding dry eyes. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.