What are Dry Eyes (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)
Dry eye, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is dryness of the membranes surrounding the eye. It happens when there are not enough healthy, natural tears in the eyes. The eyes must remain moist at all times.
A small amount of tears is constantly produced by the tear glands (lacrimal glands). These glands are located under the outside part of the upper eyelids.
Dryness of the eyes can be a symptom of a variety of conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or Sjögren syndrome. Dry eye may be mild to severe.
What are the causes?
This condition may be caused by:
- Not making enough tears (aqueous tear-deficient dry eyes).
- Tears evaporating from the eye too quickly (evaporative dry eyes). This is when there is an abnormality in the quality of your tears. This abnormality causes your tears to evaporate so quickly that the eye cannot be kept moist.
What increases the risk?
This condition is more likely to happen in:
- Women, especially those who have gone through menopause.
- People in dry climates.
- People in dusty or smoky areas.
- People
who take certain medicines, such as:
- Anti-allergy medicines (antihistamines).
- Blood pressure medicines (antihypertensives).
- Birth control pills (oral contraceptives).
- Laxatives.
- Tranquilizers.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Symptoms in the eyes may include:
- Irritation.
- Itchiness.
- Redness.
- Burning.
- Inflammation of the eyelids.
- Feeling as though something is stuck in the eye.
- Light sensitivity.
- Increased sensitivity and discomfort when wearing contact lenses, if this applies.
- Vision that varies throughout the day.
- Occasional excessive tearing.
How is this diagnosed?
This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms, your medical history, and an eye exam. Your health care provider may look at your eye using a microscope and may put dyes in your eye to check the health of the surface of your eye.
You may have a tests, such as a test to evaluate your tear production (Schirmer test). During this test, a small strip of special paper is gently pressed into the inner corner of your eye. Your tear production is measured by how much of the paper is moistened by your tears during a set amount of time.
You may be referred to a health care provider who specializes in eyes and eyesight (ophthalmologist).
How is this treated?
This condition is often treated at home. Your health care provider may recommend eye drops, which are also called artificial tears. If your condition is severe, treatment may include:
- Prescription eye drops.
- Over-the-counter or prescription ointments to moisten your eyes.
- Minor surgery to block tears from going into your nose.
- Medicines to reduce inflammation of the eyelids.
Follow these instructions at home:
- Take, use, or apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. This includes eye drops.
- If directed, apply a warm compress to your eyes to help reduce inflammation. Place a towel over your eyes and gently press the warm compress over your eyes for about 5 minutes, or as long as told by your health care provider.
- If possible, avoid dry, drafty environments.
- Use a humidifier at home to increase moisture in the air.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove them regularly to give your eyes a break. Always remove contacts before sleeping.
- Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important. This includes yearly eye exams and vision tests.
Contact a health care provider if:
- You have eye pain.
- You have pus-like fluid coming from your eye.
- Your symptoms get worse or do not improve with treatment.
Get help right away if:
- Your vision suddenly changes.
