Dry Eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly or when eyes fail to produce the right type of tears. It can cause discomfort, irritation, and vision issues. Dry eye can affect your quality of life by making daily activities like reading, using a computer, or watching TV uncomfortable.
"At Mahajan Eye Centre, we offer comprehensive care for dry eye, using the latest technology to diagnose and treat this condition effectively. Our dedicated Dry Eye Clinic features advanced diagnostic tools such as the IDRA diagnostic device and cutting-edge treatments like the E-Eye IRPL therapy."
When you blink, a film of tears spreads over the eye. Tears play a critical role in keeping your eyes healthy and functioning properly. They form a thin film over the surface of your eye, made up of three layers:
- Oily Layer: The outermost layer prevents evaporation of the tears and keeps the surface of the eye smooth for clear vision. This comes from meibomian glands in lids.
- Watery Layer: The middle layer is the thickest and provides moisture to the eye, protecting it from irritants. This layer comes from lacrimal glands in the eyelids.
- Mucous Layer: This inner layer helps the tear film stick to the surface of your eye. Mucus is made in conjunctiva which is clear tissue covering the white of eye and inside of eyelids.
When one or more of these layers are disrupted, it can lead to dry eye.
The symptoms of dry eye can vary from person to person, but common signs include:
- A gritty or burning sensation
- Redness or irritation
- Blurred vision, especially after reading or computer use
- Sensitivity to light
- A feeling of something in the eye
- Excessive tearing (a reflex response to irritation)
If left untreated, dry eye can cause damage to the surface of the eye, leading to more severe vision issues.
Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Aging: Tear production decreases as you get older.
- Environmental Conditions: Wind, smoke, and dry climates can contribute to dry eye.
- Screen Time: Prolonged computer or smartphone use reduces blink rate, causing tear evaporation.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antihistamines or blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production.
- Hormonal Changes: Women are more prone to dry eye due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or from birth control use.
- Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus can lead to dry eye.
- Eyelid Diseases: Blepharitis, entropion, ectropion etc.
- Contact Lenses Use: Over Long term
- LASIK Eye Surgery
Computer Vision Syndrome and Dry Eye
Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), also known as digital eye strain, is becoming increasingly common in today’s screen-heavy world. Long hours spent on computers, tablets, or smartphones can lead to reduced blink rates, causing the tears on your eyes to evaporate more quickly, resulting in dry eye symptoms.
Symptoms of CVS include:
- Eye strain
- Dry eyes
- Blurred vision
- Headaches
Your ophthalmologist will begin with an eye exam. He or she will look at your eyelids and the surface of the eye. They will also check how you blink. Your ophthalmologist may use eye drops to check dryness on the eye’s surface. They also might place paper strips under your lower eyelids. These measure how quickly you produce tears. Special modern diagnostic devices for detailed dry eye assessment are also available IDRA.
- Adding tears: Your ophthalmologist might tell you to use artificial tears. These are eye drops that are like your own tears. You can use artificial tears as often as you need to. You can buy artificial tears without a prescription. There are many brands. Try a few until you find a brand that works best for you. You should use artificial tears without preservatives, since preservatives might irritate your eyes.
- Conserving tears: Your ophthalmologist may suggest blocking your tear ducts. This makes your natural tears stay in your eyes longer. Tiny silicone or gel plugs (called punctal plugs) may be inserted in your tear ducts. These plugs can be removed later as needed. Your ophthalmologist could also recommend surgery that permanently closes your tear ducts.
- Increasing your tears: Your ophthalmologist might have you use a special eyedrop medication. This helps your eyes make more of their own tears.
- Treating dry eye culprits: If your eyes are irritated and swollen, your ophthalmologist can treat those problems. They may recommend: prescription eye drops or ointments warm compresses on the eyes massaging your eyelids certain eyelid cleaner.
- Vitamin Supplementation: Certain vitamins and food supplements are now proven to help with Dry eye. Your ophthalmologist will recommend them if needed.
- Special Treatment Devices: Newer generation treatment devices are available that specially target meibomian gland dysfunction.
While dry eye is a common condition, there are steps you can take to minimize its impact on your life:
- 1. Take Regular Breaks from Screens: Follow the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- 2. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.
- 3. Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from wind and sun exposure, which can exacerbate dry eye.
- 4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water can help maintain healthy tear production.
- 5. Avoid Smoke: Stay away from smoky environments, which can dry out your eyes.
- 6. Blink Regularly: Especially when using digital devices, consciously blink more often to keep your eyes moist.
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we have a specialized Dry Eye Clinic equipped with the latest technology to diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome. Our IDRA diagnostic device allows for a thorough evaluation, while the E-Eye IRPL system provides advanced treatment options to restore the tear film and reduce symptoms effectively.
IDRA Dry Eye Diagnostic Device
At Mahajan Eye Centre, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to assess the severity of your dry eye and determine the underlying causeOur centre is equipped with the SMB Sistemi IDRA diagnostic device, which provides a comprehensive analysis of the tear film and eyelid health. The IDRA device allows us to measure tear breakup time, tear production, and tear osmolarity, providing valuable insights into the best treatment approach for each patient.
E-Eye IRPL Therapy
At our centre, we offer E-Eye IRPL therapy, a highly effective treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction, a common cause of dry eye. This non-invasive procedure uses intense regulated pulsed light to stimulate the meibomian glands and improve tear film quality. E-Eye therapy is a cutting-edge solution for patients who haven’t found relief with traditional treatments.
Why Mahajan Eye Centre?
Expertise and Experience
Our experienced Doctors have been treating and managing Dry Eyes disease from decades, ensuring high success rates and patient satisfaction.
Advanced Technology
Our investment in latest technology (IDRA Dry Eye, E-Eye IRPL Therapy etc.) enables us to provide safer, precise, and efficient treatment.
Personalized Care
We customize every aspect of your Dry Eye management, from measurements to selecting appropriate treatment that best suits your lifestyle and vision needs.
Comprehensive Post-Op Care
Our team will guide you through a smooth recovery process, ensuring that any post-surgery issues are promptly addressed as needed.
