Causes

Dry eye syndrome can be caused due to the following factors,

• Increased usage of computers every day causing Computer Vision syndrome, which can lead to Dry Eye Syndrome
• Systemic problems such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Parkinson’s disease, Scleroderma, Diabetes, Sjogren's syndrome, Thyroid disorders and vitamin A deficiency.
• Travelling in an airplane or being in an air-conditioned room for too long.
• Riding a bike.
• Aging
• Certain medications that include antihistamines, decongestants, hormone replacement therapy, antidepressants, and drugs for high blood pressure, acne, and birth control
• Symptoms of dry eyes related to Laser eye surgery, however, these are temporary
• Tear gland damage from inflammation or radiation.

Symptoms

Some of the signs and symptoms experienced by patients suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome include the following,

• Stinging sensation in the eyes
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Redness of the eyes
• Sensation of something in the eyes
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Difficulty driving at night
• Watery eyes
• Blurred vision
• Eye fatigue

Treatment

There are different Treatment options for Dry Eye Syndrome that normally include,

• Lifestyle Changes : The doctor might recommend some changes in the patient’s lifestyle, especially while facing the screens of computers, laptops, and other mobile screens, that would include:
  • Decreasing the amount of time spent in front of a computer
  • Making sure to use computers in a fully lighted room
  • Blinking eyes helps to prevent dry eyes while using the computer
  • 20-20-20 Rule: This rule states that every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds
  • Sitting farther than 18-24 inches from the computer screen
  • Tilting the monitor slightly below the eye level helps reduce eye discomfort
• Medications :
  • Doctors might recommend eye drops that will help moisturize the eyes
  • Medications such as antibiotics might also be prescribed to reduce the inflammation of the eyelid
  • Medications such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or corticosteroids might also be prescribed to control cornea inflammation
• Other Treatment Options :
  • Artificial tears
  • Tear simulating medicines
  • Doctors might also prescribe the use of special contact lenses made especially for dry eyes
  • Light therapy and eyelid message through a technique called intense-pulsed light therapy will help in treating severe dry eyes.
  • Unblocking oil glands by using eye masks daily to clear blocked up glands