One common eye problem requiring treatment is dry eye disease (DED). Also referred to as dry eye syndrome (DES), keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a serious problem affecting approximately 1 out of 7 individuals between the ages of 65 and 84. This multifactorial problem may overlap with other health problems, making it essential to look to an eye care center for diagnosis and treatment.
What It Is
DES affects the tears and the ocular surface of the eye. The result of this is a failure to produce tears stably and reliably. The eye loses its ability to refresh itself throughout the day by releasing tears, therefore cleaning itself and clearing away any material. The DES produces discomfort as well as visual problems. If left undetected and untreated, it may result in severe damage to the surface of the eye.
Dry eye syndrome falls into one of two major types:
1. Associated with an onset of Sjögren syndrome (SS)
2. Not associated with SS
Further subdivision is possible with doctors considering DED to be either pure aqueous deficiency dry eye or evaporative dry eye.
Causal Factors
As noted previously, dry eye often results from the presence of another disease or health issue including SS and diabetes. However, it may also result from:
- Use of specific types of medications, e.g., antidepressants and antihistamines
- Wearing contact lenses for a prolonged period
- Some eye surgeries
- Environmental irritants, e.g., smoke, chemical or pollutants
- Allergens
Visiting an eye care center will help clarify the causes, making the right treatment possible.
Eye Care Center
At an eye care center, the physician will diagnose the underlying cause and treat accordingly. Specific treatments will also depend upon the severity of the problem. In some case, artificial tear substitutes will suffice. For more serious cases of dry eye, surgery may be the best or even only viable option.
