Dry Eye

What is it?

Dry eye syndrome involves a change in tear quantity or quality, or in the ocular surface, that prevents adequate lubrication of the eye. It may result from insufficient production of the aqueous component of tears, dysfunction of the meibomian glands (which provide the oily layer that reduces tear evaporation), or a combination of both.

Symptoms

Burning, a foreign-body or gritty sensation, redness, eye fatigue, vision that fluctuates or clears with blinking, and discomfort that worsens with prolonged screen use, air conditioning or wind.

Possible causes

Causes assessed include aqueous tear deficiency, meibomian gland dysfunction and tear evaporation. Determining which predominates in each case is part of the clinical evaluation; patients cannot establish this from symptoms alone.

Evaluation and management

The consultation includes examination of the ocular surface and tear film. Management is tailored to the findings and generally includes eyelid hygiene and lubricating eye drops; specific treatment depends on the cause identified in each patient.

Where to receive an evaluation

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