Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) Symptoms and Treatment

Instances of dry eyes are a common occurrence, attributed to factors such as allergies, seasonal colds, or the use of aging contact lenses. Yet, individuals afflicted with the condition of dry eye syndrome encounter a distinctive challenge, as its symptoms are not fleeting, but rather a constant presence in their daily existence.

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

The manifestation of dry eye symptoms is unique to each individual, showcasing variability. Analogously, as observed in numerous health conditions, the likelihood of its onset escalates as one advances in age. An array of symptoms may arise, either independently or in conjunction with one another, contributing to a diverse experiential spectrum.

Symptoms

The manifestation of dry eye symptoms is unique to each individual, showcasing variability. Analogously, as observed in numerous health conditions, the likelihood of its onset escalates as one advances in age. An array of symptoms may arise, either independently or in conjunction with one another, contributing to a diverse experiential spectrum.

Redness

Dry eye has the potential to induce a reddened or bloodshot appearance in your eyes. Typically, the act of blinking initiates the spread of a delicate layer of tears known as the “tear film” across the surface of your cornea—the outermost layer of your eye. This essential tear film serves the dual purpose of maintaining ocular lubrication and acting as a safeguard against irritants (such as dust and eyelashes) and potential infections.

However, the presence of dry eye syndrome hampers the normal tear production process. In cases where there’s insufficient lubrication, the act of blinking can lead to friction between the eyelids and the dry cornea, giving rise to discomfort and irritation. This irritation prompts the blood vessels within the sclera—the white portion of your eye—to become inflamed and visibly red.

In some instances of dry eye, the redness might be attributed to a condition termed meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). These meibomian glands, situated on the eyelids, are responsible for producing protective oils that bolster the tear film. When these glands fail to generate sufficient oil, the severity of dry eye can escalate, leading to inflammation and subsequent redness.

Difficulty Blinking

Dry eye syndrome hinders the natural production of adequate tears and oils required to maintain the integrity of your tear film. The smooth movement of your eyelids during blinking relies on a well-lubricated surface. To illustrate, consider the experience of sliding down a water slide that lacks water – the ride would be rough and uneven. Similarly, insufficient lubrication in dry eyes leads to friction, causing blinking to become an uncomfortable and challenging process.

Stinging or Burning

The sensation of stinging or burning in the eyes often arises when there’s a disruption in the production of either tears or oil.

Blinking plays a crucial role in generating the protective oil layer for your tear film. This oil coating ensures proper lubrication, and its absence can lead to an uncomfortable stinging sensation.

Dry eye syndrome can impede tear production, resulting in inadequate moisture. When tears are insufficient, the cornea can become dry, triggering a burning sensation.

Scratchy Eyes

Insufficient lubrication from tears can lead to sensations of grittiness, scratchiness, or as if there’s a persistent foreign object in your eye, causing irritation. This experience is termed a foreign body sensation.

Ordinarily, the tear film functions as a protective shield between the eyelid and the eye’s surface. However, dry eyes can result in the formation of dry patches within the tear film, which in turn can lead to eye irritation. The positive aspect is that these dry patches are not permanent and can be healed through appropriate treatment aimed at maintaining optimal eye moisture.

Dry Eye-caused Blurry Vision

Similar to the impact on visual clarity, alterations in your tear film composition can also give rise to heightened light sensitivity. The initial entry point for light into your eye is through the tear film. While this layer typically maintains lubrication and smoothness, dry eye can result in the formation of dry patches or irregularities that amplify sensitivity to light.

Individuals grappling with dry eye might encounter transient periods of light sensitivity. Conversely, some may endure consistent sensitivity to natural daylight, as well as discomfort from the glare of headlights or streetlights at night. This heightened sensitivity to light is medically termed photophobia.

In a study published in the Expert Review of Ophthalmology in 2016, researchers proposed that light-sensitive cells within the retina – the tissue layer lining the back of the eye – could underlie this discomfort. The contention is that these cells may have connections to nerves responsible for transmitting sensory signals to the head and face.

People experiencing photophobia might resort to squinting or closing their eyes when exposed to light. Furthermore, the intensity of discomfort can vary significantly. While some individuals might endure severe pain due to the interaction between light and the eye’s nerve endings, others might simply find the light uncomfortably bright, prompting them to seek relief by closing their eyes.

Light Sensitivity

Similar to the impact on visual clarity, alterations in your tear film composition can also give rise to heightened light sensitivity. The initial entry point for light into your eye is through the tear film. While this layer typically maintains lubrication and smoothness, dry eye can result in the formation of dry patches or irregularities that amplify sensitivity to light.

Individuals grappling with dry eye might encounter transient periods of light sensitivity. Conversely, some may endure consistent sensitivity to natural daylight, as well as discomfort from the glare of headlights or streetlights at night. This heightened sensitivity to light is medically termed photophobia.

In a study published in the Expert Review of Ophthalmology in 2016, researchers proposed that light-sensitive cells within the retina – the tissue layer lining the back of the eye – could underlie this discomfort. The contention is that these cells may have connections to nerves responsible for transmitting sensory signals to the head and face.

People experiencing photophobia might resort to squinting or closing their eyes when exposed to light. Furthermore, the intensity of discomfort can vary significantly. While some individuals might endure severe pain due to the interaction between light and the eye’s nerve endings, others might simply find the light uncomfortably bright, prompting them to seek relief by closing their eyes.

Eye Strain and Fatigue

Prolonged periods of gazing at screens, be it on phones or computers, can lead to the onset of eye fatigue. These habits tend to alter the frequency of your blinking. While anyone can experience eye fatigue, individuals with dry eye are particularly susceptible to experiencing strained or weary eyes. Typically, the average blinking rate hovers around 22 times per minute. However, excessive engagement with digital devices tends to result in a blink rate that’s less than half of this norm.

The act of blinking holds significant importance as it provides essential lubrication to the eyes, thereby maintaining the health of the tear film. Dry eye syndrome can compromise the tear film, and the strain on the eyes induced by prolonged screen use can exacerbate this situation. Notably, instances where intense concentration is required, such as reading or driving, often lead to reduced blinking frequency.

To counteract eye fatigue, the American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests following the 20/20/20 guideline: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at an object situated 20 feet away. Adhering to this practice can help alleviate the strain on your eyes and foster better eye health.

Inability to Cry

The absence of tears during emotional moments might indicate the presence of dry eye. It can be incredibly frustrating to experience the need to cry emotionally, yet not achieve the cathartic release through tears.

Individuals afflicted with dry eye could mistakenly associate their inability to cry with difficulty in expressing their emotions. In reality, the underlying issue is often insufficient tear production by the eyes.

However, a scarcity of tears can also stem from various other factors, including medication side effects or residing in an arid or windy environment. Moreover, this phenomenon is a prominent characteristic of Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition that diminishes the production of tears and saliva. If you discern that your dry eye symptoms coincide with a parched mouth sensation, it’s prudent to engage with a healthcare professional for a potential evaluation and testing for Sjogren’s syndrome.

Watery Eyes

While certain individuals may face the challenge of being unable to shed tears, others might find themselves in a situation of excessive tear production. This seemingly paradoxical scenario is also a manifestation of dry eye symptoms, albeit with a twist.

This phenomenon can be attributed to a specific variant of dry eye known as evaporative dry eye syndrome. As the prevailing subtype of dry eye syndrome, evaporative dry eye ensues when the composition of your tears is compromised.

Optimal eye protection necessitates a harmonious blend of water, oil, and mucus within tears. When the meibomian glands, responsible for producing the vital oil component, fail to function correctly, the eyes lack adequate oil to envelop the tear film. This oil layer, originating from the meibomian glands, plays a role in retaining moisture within the eyes. An insufficiency in oil content can lead to accelerated evaporation of tears or an overproduction of watery tears, both of which contribute to the discomfort associated with dry eyes.

Stringy Mucus in the Eye

This symptom tends to be more prevalent among individuals grappling with moderate to severe cases of dry eye, often manifesting alongside other conditions such as infections or allergies.

People afflicted with dry eye, where the production of tears or oil for tear film protection is compromised, may encounter discomfort or strain during blinking. In response to this, the tear film seeks to compensate for the deficiency in ocular moisture by generating mucus.

The mucus secretion often takes on the appearance of stringy discharges emanating from the eyes. Should you notice such mucus discharge, it’s advisable to delicately remove it using a clean tissue, refraining from rubbing your eyes excessively. Overzealous rubbing can lead to ocular inflammation, exacerbating the underlying condition.

Wearing Contacts With Dry Eye Syndrome

In 2017, a study featured in the Contact Lens and Anterior Eye journal revealed a significant correlation between prolonged contact lens wear and the sensation of dryness among nearly half of contact lens users. Extended contact lens use can contribute to dryness due to the eyes’ diminished ability to produce an adequate amount of tears.

It’s crucial to acknowledge that this does not inherently indicate the presence of dry eye syndrome. Nevertheless, if you find that your contact lenses become suddenly uncomfortable to wear and are accompanied by additional symptoms of dry eye, it could be prudent to consider undergoing a testing or evaluation.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Dry eye syndrome can manifest through a range of distinct symptoms. In cases of mild dry eye, adopting certain lifestyle adjustments like incorporating more breaks when using digital devices and utilizing over-the-counter eye drops might suffice for managing the condition effectively.

Should you observe a progression of discomfort or the emergence of additional symptoms, it’s advisable not to delay seeking consultation from your healthcare provider. Dry eye can be effectively managed with appropriate interventions. Nevertheless, if left untreated, the condition could potentially escalate into more severe complications, risking eventual loss of vision.

If you detect typical symptoms associated with dry eye, it’s prudent to engage with a specialized eye care professional such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist to explore the possibility of undergoing relevant testing. This proactive approach will enable them to identify the underlying causes of your symptoms and provide you with a precise diagnosis, thus facilitating appropriate treatment.

A Quick Review

Dry eye arises when the production of tears or the composition of tears becomes inadequate. Individuals afflicted by dry eye syndrome may encounter a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including but not limited to redness, blurred vision, heightened sensitivity to light, and challenges with blinking, driving, or reading.

The reassuring aspect is the array of available treatments for dry eye syndrome. Initiating testing and assessment at an early stage can aid your healthcare provider in identifying the most suitable treatment approach for your situation. By doing so, you potentially halt the progression of the condition and, as a result, safeguard the integrity of your vision.