Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye is a condition that affects the tear film, which is composed of three layers of tears that cover and protect the surface of your eyes. To ensure that you can see plainly and comfortably, you require a tear film that is both smooth and stable.Dry eye disease is a prevalent condition. According to research, approximately 16 million individuals in the United States suffer from dry eye. Tens of millions of individuals worldwide are affected by dry eye. In Asia, it is more prevalent than in North America and Europe.

Dry eye is a condition that results from an insufficient production of tears or an excessively rapid evaporation of tears. When you have dry eye, you may experience the sensation that there is an object lodged in your eye that is unable to be expelled. This sensation may be described as abrasive, gritty, or sandy. Symptoms may also include sensitivity to light, burning, blurred vision, mucus erupting from the eye, and watery eyes with excess tears streaming down the cheeks. The symptom of moist eyes may appear perplexing. However, this is a prevalent trait of dry eye. It occurs when the meibomian glands are unable to produce an adequate quantity of lipids for the outer layer of the tear film.

Dry eye is diagnosed by healthcare providers through an eye exam, medical history, and testing. It can be challenging to prevent dry eye disease due to its numerous causes. You may be able to mitigate your risk by: managing underlying conditions, making lifestyle and environmental changes, and visiting a healthcare provider on an annual basis.

References

1. Akpek EK, Amescua G, Farid M, et al. Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern® (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30366798/). Ophthalmology. 2019;126(1):286-334.

2. American Academy of Ophthalmology. Multiple pages reviewed (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-dry-eye).

3. Horton JC. Disorders of the Eye. In: Loscalzo J, Fauci A, Kasper D, Hauser S, Longo D, Jameson J, eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21e. McGraw Hill; 2022.

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