What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition that hampers the tear system of our eyes. To understand the severity of the problem, it’s important for us to understand the complexity of the tear system.Tears are known to carry essential nutrients to the cells on the surface of the cornea (the front of the eyeball) and thus help in removing the dead or damaged corneal cells. Additionally, they clear off any debris away from the cornea, allowing light to enter the eye without any resistance thus helping an individual attain bounties of clear vision. Thus it is important for a healthily functioning eye to have a cornea that is covered by a thin layer of tears called the tear film, at all times.

People suffer from dry eye syndrome regardless of their age, and the condition might vary from mild to severe. Two factors might be responsible for the condition. Either the tear system of the eyes is not producing enough tears, or the produced tears are unable to keep your eyes moisturized.

Dry Eye Syndrome Symptoms

When it comes to dry eyes, the symptoms may vary. The signs may appear suddenly, or they might surface gradually lasting for hours or days. Common dry eye symptoms include discomfort in eyes, eye pain, eye fatigue, swollen eyes, redness, excessive tearing, itchy eyes and eyelid twitching.

Causes of Dry Eye Syndrome

There can be varied causes that result in dry eye syndrome which most commonly include blockage of the tear ducts and medications that inhibit the production of tears. Recent researches suggest that even environmental factors can result in dry eye syndrome. Climatic conditions like dusty air, dry or windy weather or fumes like cigarette smoke can evaporate tears with enhanced speed rendering the eyes dry. People who wear contact lens are a major victim of Dry Eye Syndrome as the contact lens absorb lubrication and thus dry out the eyes. Medical conditions like Sjogren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Collagen Vascular Disease, Dry Tear Film, Acne Rosacea, Meibomitis, and Blepharitis can also result in Dry Eye Syndrome.

Dry Eye Syndrome and LASIK

Especially refractive eye surgeries such as laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (more commonly referred to as LASIK) often decreases tear production in the eye and results in dry eye syndrome. LASIK cuts some nerves in the cornea, which reduces corneal sensitivity to some extent. As a result, the eye may not sense the need for lubrication, thus producing fewer tears and resulting in dry eye syndrome. However, dry eyes caused by this type of cases are usually temporary. Research indicates that more than 50% of the patients who choose LASIK have some degree of dry eyes after the procedure. Sometimes, patients suffer from dry eyes even before they go in for a LASIK, a common case with lens wearers.

Dry Eye Screening for LASIK Patients

Suffering from Dry eyes after the LASIK can be a cause of discomfort. It might result in less than optimal visual outcomes. Thus eye surgeons today recommend the use of lubricating eye drops or other such therapies to help maintain and retain eye moisture. Doctors also make it a point to screen the patients for LASIK, trying to spot a dry eye before the surgery and thus regulate the treatment. In this way, people going in for laser vision correction now can also get their pre-existing dry eye problem addressed in the process of LASIK consultation. As a precaution treatment to increase eye lubrication, the patient may also be administered with medications before a LASIK procedure even if the patient does not show any sign of dry eyes. Various tests that your eye specialist may perform for detecting dry eyes may include:

Schirmer test.
Tear breakup time.
Imaging
MMP-9 Testing.

Factors that Increase Risk of Dry Eyes after LASIK include,

Older age can be a contributing factor and can result in dry eyes after LASIK. This particularly happens if you are female and have undergone menopause.

Patients who consume allergy medications, certain blood pressure medications and antidepressants that can decrease eye moisture also suffer from dry eyes post surgery.

Anyone suffering from autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren’s syndrome also risks suffering from dry eyes.

People who unusually put up in dry climates or environments, such as a room that is highly heated or air-conditioned also tend to suffer from dry eyes post LASIK.

How to Prevent Dry Eyes after LASIK?

Yes, it is likely that you would be suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome after LASIK and there are chances that you might suffer from it even before the surgery. Elaborate your symptoms to the doctor and help him figure the condition for proper diagnosis.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements and other food containing “good fats,” such as salmon, can help in maintaining a healthy tear film. Drinking plenty of water also keeps the hydration intact. Increased intake of vitamins A and C and staying averse to foods containing caffeine also help a great deal.