Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not produce good quality or quantity of tears, causing chronic dryness and discomfort. This condition affects hundreds of millions of people, that often visit their GP to seek some relief. 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 bathe the eye’s surface to keep it 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, each component of the tear film serves a critical purpose:

– An oily (lipid) component – lipids help keep the tear film from evaporating too quickly and increase lubrication
– A watery (aqueous) component
– A mucous-like (mucin) component – helps anchor and spread the tears across the surface of the eye

Each tear component is produced by different glands on or near the eye:

– The oily component is produced by meibomian glands in the eyelids
– The watery component is produced by lacrimal glands located behind the outer aspect of the upper eyelids
– The mucin component is produced by goblet cells in the conjunctiva that covers the white of the eye (Sclera)

A problem with any of these sources of tear film components can result in tear instability and dry eyes, and there are different categories of dry eyes, depending on which component is affected. For example, if the meibomian glands don’t produce or secrete enough oil (meibum), the tear film may evaporate too quickly – a condition called “evaporative dry eye.” The underlying condition – called Meibomain Gland Dysfunction, this is now recognised as a significant factor in many cases of Dry Eye Syndrome.

Ocular Rosacea is inflammation that causes redness, burning and itching of the eyes. It often develops in people who have Rosacea, a chronic skin condition that affects the face. Sometimes Ocular or Eye Rosacea is the first sign that you may later develop the facial type at a later date. This condition is hereditary, the sooner you treat this the more control you will have over the symptoms.

In other cases, the primary cause of dry eye is a failure of the lacrimal glands to produce enough watery fluid (aqueous) to keep the eyes adequately moistened. This condition is called “aqueous deficiency dry eye.” If not treated appropriately, DES is associated with significant pain, limitations in performing daily activities, reduced vitality, poor general health, and often depression.

DES is usually caused by more than one agency and today’s climate and our technological lifestyle are common contributors. Triggering causes can include:

• Aging
• Dry environment and pollution
• Excessive computer/TV/Mobile use
• Laser refractive eye surgery, previous cataract surgery, other eye/eyelid surgery
• Certain types of medications (anti-acne, some beta-blockers, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, diuretics, decongestants, alcohol & anti-depressants…)
• Blepharitis
• Contact lens wear
• Hormonal changes, especially in women e.g. menopause
• Preservatives in eye medication including Glaucoma medications
• Dry Eye may also be symptomatic of general health disease e.g. people with arthritis are more prone to Dry Eye (Sjogren’s Syndrome = arthritis + Dry Eye + dry mouth)