Dry Eye Syndrome: Recognizing Signs and Management Options
Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a common chronic disorder that affects tear production. If left untreated, KCS can lead to progressive corneal damage, impaired vision, and potentially permanent vision loss.
KCS is diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam, tear testing, and evaluation of the eyelids and surrounding areas. The condition arises when a person does not produce enough tears, or their tears are of poor quality and lack oil or meibum.
The primary symptom people with KCS experience is eye irritation, which may include eye inflammation, redness, a stinging or burning sensation, a feeling of dryness or grittiness, stringy mucus, difficulty keeping the eyes open, eye sensitivity to smoke, wind, or light, eyes that tear readily, blurred or double vision, tired eyes after reading, and discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
If KCS goes untreated, it can cause several serious complications. Corneal ulcers, painful open sores on the cornea, may develop and become infected. Corneal scarring, which impairs transparency and vision, may occur. Neovascularization, the growth of new blood vessels into the cornea, further disrupts clarity.
Persistent irritation and foreign body sensation due to corneal surface damage, increased susceptibility to recurrent eye infections, and progressive vision impairment are also potential outcomes of untreated KCS. In severe cases, these changes may lead to permanent vision loss.
In autoimmune-related KCS, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, these effects are compounded by systemic inflammation, often requiring lifelong management to prevent serious ocular complications.
Fortunately, early diagnosis and consistent treatment of KCS are critical to reduce inflammation, promote tear production, and prevent these long-term complications. The aim of KCS treatment is to keep the eyes lubricated and minimize dryness.
Treatment for KCS may include artificial tears, eye drops, medication, and lifestyle changes. Over-the-counter artificial tears are a first-line treatment for people with mild KCS. For more severe cases, prescription eye drops like cyclosporine or lifitegrast may be used to reduce eye inflammation and potentially increase tear production.
In some cases, a doctor may block the tear ducts with removable silicone plugs or a permanent surgical procedure to conserve tears. A scleral lens, a larger contact lens that covers the cornea and the sclera, may be recommended to prevent the cornea from drying out and allow it to heal.
Antibiotic eye drops, oral antibiotics, warm eye compresses, eyelid massage, and mild steroid drops are treatments for inflammation and infection of the eyelids or eye surfaces. Living with KCS can lead to anxiety or depression and withdrawal from daily activities, emphasising the importance of prompt and effective treatment.
It's essential to remember that KCS may be a symptom of another health issue, so anyone who experiences eye problems should consult their doctor for a prompt and accurate diagnosis. With proper care and treatment, it's possible to manage KCS and maintain good ocular health.
- Chronic dry eye syndrome, often referred to as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), is a common medical-condition that affects eye-health.
- KCS can progressively damage the cornea, impair vision, and potentially cause permanent vision loss if left untreated.
- Some chronic-diseases such as chronic-kidney-disease and neurological-disorders can lead to KCS as a symptom.
- Alongside fitness-and-exercise and skin-care, maintaining good eye-health is crucial for overall health-and-wellness.
- Migraines can also be associated with KCS, making it important to address both conditions for optimal mental-health.
- CBD, a compound from the cannabis plant, has been studied for its potential role in managing symptoms of KCS.
- Proper nutrition is essential not just for skin-care and fitness, but also for maintaining eye-health, especially in managing chronic conditions like KCS.
