Dry Eye Treatments - Causes & What You Can Do About It

Symptoms Of Dry Eyes

You might be wondering how you know if you’ve got dry eyes. The symptoms vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms of dry eyes include:

• Sore or tender eyes
• Red eyes
• Feeling like there’s something in your eye
• Inflammation around the eyes
• Blurred vision
• Irritation in your eyes
• Sticky eyes
• A burning or stinging sensation
• Pain when you try and open your eyes in a morning
• Watery or runny eyes
• Excessive tear production
• Sensitivity to wind, smoke or light
• Fatigue in your eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

Not all of these symptoms will apply to every person with dry eyes. In fact, you might find that you only have a few of the symptoms but still have dry eyes.

You might also find that some of your symptoms come and go, rather than being present all of the time. For example, you might find that your symptoms are worse when you’re outdoors, or when you’re in an air conditioned environment.

Do you have symptoms of dry eyes? Click here to book a consultation with a clinician

Causes Of Dry Eyes

Before we begin to explore the treatment options for dry eyes, we first need to talk about what causes dry eyes.

Unfortunately, there is no one cause for dry eyes. In fact, this symptom can be caused by a range of different factors, including wearing contact lenses, an underlying medical condition or as a side effect of another medication you are taking.

There are two main reasons why your eyes might be dry. These are Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) and Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye. There are many different things that can cause these conditions, and often there’s an overlap between the two.

Let’s take a look at these two conditions in more detail.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Meibomian gland dysfunction is the most common cause of dry eyes, with around 86% of patients with dry eyes suffering from meibomian gland dysfunction.

The meibomian glands are tiny glands located inside your eyelids which produce oil. This oil is secreted by the meibomian glands every time you blink, helping to keep your eyes moisturised. This oil protects your eyes against bacteria in the air, as well as keeping your eyes feeling comfortable.

If your meibomian glands are not functioning efficiently, for example if the glands are blocked or not producing enough oil, your tears will evaporate too quickly, leaving you with dry eyes.

You become more prone to meibomian gland dysfunction as you age. However, there are also other factors that may increase your risk of meibomian gland dysfunction, such as wearing contact lenses and your ethnicity, with those of an Asian descent around three times more likely to develop meibomian gland dysfunction than those of a European descent.

Other conditions that may increase your risk of developing meibomian gland dysfunction include:

• High cholesterol
• Damage or inflammation to the eyelid or cornea
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Bacterial infections
• Autoimmune conditions such as lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, rosacea and rheumatoid arthritis

Meibomian gland dysfunction can also occur as a side effect of certain medications, including hormone replacement therapy, retinoids and medication that reduces androgen.

Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye

Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when your lacrimal gland doesn’t produce enough tears. This causes your eye to become dry, leading to soreness, redness and irritation.

Aqueous deficient dry eye can be caused by an autoimmune condition known as Sjögren’s syndrome, which causes the lacrimal gland and salivary glands to become underproductive. The commonly leads to dry eyes and a dry mouth.

However, aqueous deficient dry eye can also be caused by other factors, including your age, damage to your tear glands or ducts, viruses and conditions such as Hepatitis C and HIV.

Suffering from dry eyes? Click here to book a consultation with a clinician

Risk Factors For Dry Eyes

There are a few things that can increase your risk of developing dry eyes. Let’s take a look at some of these factors.

1.     Age

As we get older, our eyes naturally produce less tears, making us more prone to dry eyes. Dry eyes become more common after the age of 55, so it’s important to be aware of this risk as you age.

2.     Health Conditions

A range of different health conditions can cause dry eyes. These include autoimmune conditions such as Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, as well as thyroid disease.

3.     Gender

Women are more likely to suffer from dry eyes, particularly during and after the menopause as hormonal changes can affect tear production.

4.     Incomplete Blinking

If you're focusing on a screen or concentrating on a complex task, you may find that you blink less often. This can lead to tears evaporating too quickly, causing dry eyes.

5.     Wearing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can cause dry eyes as they reduce the amount of oxygen reaching the cornea, leading to irritation and dryness.

6.     Environmental Conditions

Wind, smoke, air conditioning and dry climates can all contribute to dry eye syndrome as they reduce the moisture in the air.

7.      Medications

Certain medications can cause dry eyes as a side effect, including antihistamines, beta blockers and antidepressants. Your doctor will be able to advise on the best course of action if you feel your medication is causing dry eyes.

Suffering from dry eyes? Click here to book a consultation with a clinician

Can Eye Dryness Be Cured?

As there are many different causes of dry eyes, whether or not it can be completely cured will depend on what is causing your eyes to be dry. However, the good news is that dry eyes can usually be easily treated.

Some of the treatments for dry eyes include:

• Prescribed eyedrops, such as artificial tears
• Warm compress therapy or lid massage
• Meibomian gland expression
• Punctal plugs, which block the drainage of tears
• Medications to improve tear production
• Surgery to unblock tear ducts

In most cases, dry eyes can be easily managed with appropriate treatment. It’s important to speak to your doctor or optometrist if you are experiencing symptoms of dry eyes so they can advise on the best course of action for you.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

If you're suffering from dry eyes, you might be wondering what treatment options are available to you. The most appropriate treatment will depend on what is causing your dry eyes, and whether it is a result of an underproduction of tears or your tears evaporating too quickly from your eyes.

When you see a doctor about your dry eyes, they will take a detailed medical history, as well as examining your eyes, in order to decide the best treatment option for your individual circumstances.

Let's take a look at some of the possible treatment options that you may be offered.

Eyedrops

One of the most common treatment options for dry eyes is the use of artificial tears. These lubricating eyedrops help to provide temporary relief from dryness and discomfort, and can be bought over the counter at pharmacies. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a different type of eye drop to help manage your symptoms.

Warm Compress Therapy Or Lid Massage

Warm compress therapy can help to improve eye comfort by unblocking the glands in your eyelids that produce oils. This helps to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly, providing relief from dryness. Your doctor may also recommend regularly massaging your eyelids, as this can also help with tear production and drainage.

Eye Inserts

If eye drops don't bring you relief, your doctor may suggest trying an eye insert. This is placed between your lower eyelid and your eyeball and slowly dissolves, lubricating your eye.

Meibomian Gland Expression

If your dry eyes are confirmed to be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, your doctor may recommend meibomian gland expression. This is a straightforward procedure during which a nurse will apply gentle pressure to your eyelids using a paddle or rolling forceps. This will help to unblock your meibomian glands and encourage the secretion of meibum into your eyes.

Medication

If your dry eyes are caused by a decrease in tear production, your doctor may prescribe medication to help stimulate tear production. This may include cholinergic drugs which increase tear production, although there are side effects to these medications which your doctor will carefully weigh up.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL therapy uses pulses of light to improve the function of your eyelids, helping to keep your eyes lubricated. This may be recommended for those who have not found relief from other treatments.

Punctal Plugs

Your tears drain from your eyes through small openings in the corners of your eyelids, called puncta. In some cases, these puncta can become blocked, leading to excessive tear evaporation and dryness. Punctal plugs are tiny devices that can be inserted into the puncta in order to block tear drainage and improve dry eye symptoms.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses trap moisture in your eyes, preventing them from drying out. This may be suggested for those who have not found relief with other treatments. It is important to note that these lenses require special fitting and care, so it's important to speak to your doctor or optometrist before using them.

Surgery

In more extreme cases, surgery may be recommended to unblock the tear ducts and improve drainage. This is usually only considered as a last resort, as there are other treatment options available that are less invasive.

Could meibomian gland expression help you? Book a consultation to find out whether you’re suitable

Diagnosis Of Dry Eyes

If you're experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, it's important to speak to your doctor or optometrist. They will be able to diagnose dry eye syndrome through a thorough examination of your eyes, along with an analysis of your medical history.

The doctor will assess your tears to determine if your eyes are producing the correct amount of tears, or whether there is an issue with the quality or quantity of the tears being produced.

Your tears may also be examined under a microscope to determine whether there is any inflammation within your eye.

Tests that your doctor might use to diagnose dry eyes include:

• Schirmer test
• Epithelial staining
• Meibomian gland evaluation

Let's take a look at each of these tests in more detail.

Schirmer Test

During a Schirmer test, your doctor will place a small strip of filter paper under the lower eyelid to measure the amount of tears produced in a certain period of time. This will determine whether your eyes are producing the right amount of tears.

Epithelial Staining

A dye called fluorescein is added to your eye, which can highlight any damage to the surface of the eye (known as the epithelium) caused by dryness. This test will also measure how quickly your tears evaporate from your eyes.

Meibomian Gland Evaluation

The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. Your doctor may use a device called a meibographer to evaluate the function of these glands, and assess any blockages that may be contributing to dry eye syndrome.

Dry Eye Treatment Options

If you're suffering from dry eyes, you might be wondering what treatment options are available to you. The most appropriate treatment will depend on what is causing your dry eyes, and whether it is a result of an underproduction of tears or your tears evaporating too quickly from your eyes.

When you see a doctor about your dry eyes, they will take a detailed medical history, as well as examining your eyes, in order to decide the best treatment option for your individual circumstances.

Let's take a look at some of the possible treatment options that you may be offered.

Eyedrops

One of the most common treatment options for dry eyes is the use of artificial tears. These lubricating eyedrops help to provide temporary relief from dryness and discomfort, and can be bought over the counter at pharmacies. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a different type of eye drop to help manage your symptoms.

Warm Compress Therapy Or Lid Massage

Warm compress therapy can help to improve eye comfort by unblocking the glands in your eyelids that produce oils. This helps to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly, providing relief from dryness. Your doctor may also recommend regularly massaging your eyelids, as this can also help with tear production and drainage.

Eye Inserts

If eye drops don't bring you relief, your doctor may suggest trying an eye insert. This is placed between your lower eyelid and your eyeball and slowly dissolves, lubricating your eye.

Meibomian Gland Expression

If your dry eyes are confirmed to be caused by meibomian gland dysfunction, your doctor may recommend meibomian gland expression. This is a straightforward procedure during which a nurse will apply gentle pressure to your eyelids using a paddle or rolling forceps. This will help to unblock your meibomian glands and encourage the secretion of meibum into your eyes.

Medication

If your dry eyes are caused by a decrease in tear production, your doctor may prescribe medication to help stimulate tear production. This may include cholinergic drugs which increase tear production, although there are side effects to these medications which your doctor will carefully weigh up.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL)

IPL therapy uses pulses of light to improve the function of your eyelids, helping to keep your eyes lubricated. This may be recommended for those who have not found relief from other treatments.

Punctal Plugs

Your tears drain from your eyes through small openings in the corners of your eyelids, called puncta. In some cases, these puncta can become blocked, leading to excessive tear evaporation and dryness. Punctal plugs are tiny devices that can be inserted into the puncta in order to block tear drainage and improve dry eye symptoms.

Scleral Contact Lenses

Scleral contact lenses trap moisture in your eyes, preventing them from drying out. This may be suggested for those who have not found relief with other treatments. It is important to note that these lenses require special fitting and care, so it's important to speak to your doctor or optometrist before using them.

Surgery

In more extreme cases, surgery may be recommended to unblock the tear ducts and improve drainage. This is usually only considered as a last resort, as there are other treatment options available that are less invasive.

Could meibomian gland expression help you? Book a consultation to find out whether you’re suitable

Diagnosis Of Dry Eyes

If you're experiencing symptoms of dry eyes, it's important to speak to your doctor or optometrist. They will be able to diagnose dry eye syndrome through a thorough examination of your eyes, along with an analysis of your medical history.

The doctor will assess your tears to determine if your eyes are producing the correct amount of tears, or whether there is an issue with the quality or quantity of the tears being produced.

Your tears may also be examined under a microscope to determine whether there is any inflammation within your eye.

Tests that your doctor might use to diagnose dry eyes include:

• Schirmer test
• Epithelial staining
• Meibomian gland evaluation

Let's take a look at each of these tests in more detail.

Schirmer Test

During a Schirmer test, your doctor will place a small strip of filter paper under the lower eyelid to measure the amount of tears produced in a certain period of time. This will determine whether your eyes are producing the right amount of tears.

Epithelial Staining

A dye called fluorescein is added to your eye, which can highlight any damage to the surface of the eye (known as the epithelium) caused by dryness. This test will also measure how quickly your tears evaporate from your eyes.

Meibomian Gland Evaluation

The meibomian glands in your eyelids produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. Your doctor may use a device called a meibographer to evaluate the function of these glands, and assess any blockages that may be contributing to dry eye syndrome.