Dry eye syndrome, or also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a syndrome characterized by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication on the surface of the eye.

An adequate and consistent layer of tears on the surface of the eye is essential to keep your eyes healthy, comfortable and seeing well. Tears keep the eye’s surface moist and wash away dust, debris and microorganisms that could damage the cornea and lead to an eye infection.

A normal tear film consists of three important components:

1. An oily (lipid) component
2. A watery (aqueous) component
3. A mucous-like (mucin) component

Each component of the tear film serves a critical purpose. Tear lipids help keep the tear film from evaporating too quickly and increases lubrication, while the mucin layer helps anchor and spread the aqueous tears across the surface of the eye.

When the production of one of these components are not adequate, it may result in symptoms like burning sensation, blurred vision, heavy or fatigued eyes, aching or pain sensation, light sensitivity and red eyes. Teary or watery eyes may also be a symptom. This is because dryness on the eye’s surface may over-stimulate production of the watery component of your tears as a protective mechanism, but this “reflex tearing” does not stay on the eye long enough to correct the underlying dry eye condition.

Certain environmental factors can increase the symptoms of dry eye syndrome. These include computer or smart phone use, contact lens wear, air conditioning in a room or the car, smoking, medications and certain health conditions.  These symptoms may vary from subtle to mild or even severe. Dry eye syndrome is more common in dry, warmer climates.

Most of the time dry eye syndrome can be managed with tear lubricating eye drops, but in severe cases alternative methods should be used.

For more information do not hesitate to contact us on 051-430 3982.