Signs and symptoms of dry eye with causes and prevention of it.

[jeasminsultana]

Dry eye syndrome
also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), keratitis sicca, sicca syndrome, xerophthalmia, or simply dry eyes, is an eye disease in which tear film evaporation is high or tear production is low.According to the National Health Service (NHS), UK, approximately between 17% and 30% of people have dry eyes at some time in their life.


What are the signs and symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

A patient with dry eye syndrome may have the following signs and symptoms:

a. Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
b. Eye sensitivity to smoke
c. Eye sensitivity to wind (eyes water more in the wind)
d. Redness of the eyes
e. Eye fatigue, even after reading for a relatively short period
f. Photophobia - sensitivity to light
g. Discomfort when wearing contact lenses
h. Tearing


What are the causes of dry eye syndrome?

Reduced tear production is also linked to:

1. Inflammation
2. Radiation
3. Diabetes
4. Rheumatoid arthritis
5. Vitamin A deficiency
6. Refractive eye surgeries

The following may also cause dry eyes:

a. Sun
b. Wind
c. High altitude
d. A very dry climate
e. Hot blowing air
f. Very dry air (airplane cabin air)
g. Working in front of a computer monitor (may slow down blinking rate)
h. Driving a vehicle (may slow down blinking rate)
i. Reading (may slow down blinking rate)
j. Smoke
k. Contact lenses
l. HIV

Prevention of dry eye syndrome

Keep the eyes clean - people with clean eyes are less likely to develop blepharitis. Use warm/hot (not boiling) water, dab some cotton wool into it, and gently clean your eyes. Massage your eye gently with a clean finger in a circular motion - this will help move the mucus from the eyelid glands.

Wind - wear wraparound glasses for protection from wind and hot air, which can cause dry eyes.

Computer monitor - the monitor should be just below eye level.

Avoid smoky places - if you smoke, give up. If you don't, avoid places where people smoke.

Humidifier - a humidifier in the home will help moisten the air, which will help reduce the risk of dry eyes. Some people say that spraying curtains with a fine spray of water also helps keep the air humid.

Nutrition - evidence is starting to appear indicating that a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent dry eye syndrome. Sources of omega-3 fats include salmon, trout, tuna, herring and sardines. If you are vegetarian/vegan, the following foods are rich in omega-3 fatty acids: canola oil, English walnuts, flax oil, ground flax seed, hemp oil, hemp seed, olive oil, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans.


Jeasmin Akter
Teaching Assistant
Department of Pharmacy

[Nahian Fyrose Fahim]

Thank you for your nice information .

[jeasminsultana]

  Thanks for realizing it