Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a frequent cause of eye irritation that causes the patients to seek ophthalmic care. Dry eye condition is when a person doesn't have the required quantity and/or quality of tears.
Tears are an essential bodily fluid and play a vital role in keeping the eye lubricated, free from foreign particles and aid in smooth and clear vision. Excessive tears flow into small draining ducts in the inner corner of the eyes and are drained into the back of the nose. An imbalance in this production and drainage cycle results in Dry Eyes.
Causes
This imbalance can be caused by several factors. Such as
- Age: Eye dryness is an unavoidable part of the natural aging process.
- Gender: Females are more susceptible than males owing to hormonal changes.
- Medical conditions: Arthritis, diabetes, thyroid contribute to eye dryness.
- Medication: Antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants, oral contraceptives can reduce tear production.
- Environmental factors: Low humidity levels, wind, smoke, dry climate. Air-conditioned surroundings, extended use of bright computer/mobile screens.
- Use of Contact lenses long-term use can impact tear production.
- LASIK surgery also can reduce production of tears.
Types
Based on the severity of the symptoms it can be broadly classified into three types:
- Mild Dry Eye Disease: Patients experience symptoms such as irritation, itching, soreness, burning or occasional blurring of vision. Since these symptoms are similar to those associated with allergies and foreign body irritation, the disease often goes unrecognized causing great frustration to the patient and physician. Repeated observation and reporting of symptoms may help in earlier detection.
- Moderate Dry Eye Disease: The patient experiences increased discomfort and frequency of symptoms are increased. Visual blurring or changes may become more obvious.
- Severe Dry Eye Disease: Level of discomfort and symptoms experienced is much higher. The visual effects may be significant to the point of disabling.
Due to a wide variety of presenting symptoms, it is advisable to take into account and identify the characteristics of causative factors, such as:
- Disadvantageous Environments: Air travel, use of hair dryers, low level of humidity, air conditioning).
- Prolonged visual stress: Due to reading, watching television, computer or mobile use. Bright screens or low light conditions can cause stress on eyes.
- Existing Diseases or Current Medication.
Treatment
Classified on the basis of severity of the disease
Mild
- Education and environment modifications
- Eliminating any causative medication
- Hydration with tear substitutes
- Eyelid therapy using warm compress
- Treatment of underlying eye issues
Moderate
- In addition to the above treatments
- Anti-inflammatory medication and Omega 3 fatty acid supplements
- Blocking tear ducts with silicone plugs to prevent excessive tear drainage
- Spectacle side shields and moisture chamber eyewear.
Severe
- In combination with above treatments.
- Medication (Oral pilocarpine or cholinergic agents)
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Mucus thinning agents
- Serum tears
- Permanently closing the test duct surgically.
- Repair eyelid abnormalities like ill positioning or eyelids that don't offer enough coverage leaving the eyes exposed
- Mucous membrane transplantation
Recommendations:
Early detection of Dry Eye Disease is critical. It improves patient comfort and minimizes further structural damage to the eye. If you've noticed any of the symptoms it is advised you visit your local eye specialist at the earliest.
We recommend visiting Nashville Optometrist, Dr. Durocher of OPMT. The staff at OPMT is knowledgeable and compassionate. They believe in delivering the best available care to each patient.
Dr. Durocher has dedicated over two decades to clinical research and has authored numerous articles in medical journals sharing his knowledge and expertise to benefit the medical community at large. This selfless caring nature is demonstrated in his community service efforts and eye care for the homeless.His dedication has earned him the reputation of the best Eye Specialist in Nashville.
As a sustained effort to provide quality diagnosis and treatment, his practice is equipped with state of the art diagnostic and therapy tools. These precision diagnostic devices along with Dr. Durocher's vast experience helps him make an accurate diagnosis of your condition. As a result, you are on your road to recovery faster.
Vision is a critical part of our day to day existence, it's essential we safeguard it with safe and optimal care. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Durocher, the best Ophthalmologist in Nashville now!
References:
http://opmt.com/nashville-optometrist/
https://nei.nih.gov/health/dryeye/dryeye
http://opmt.com/education/dry-eye/
My Husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.his symptoms were shuffling of feet,slurred speech,degradation of hand writing, horrible driving skills, right arm held at 46 degree angle, things were tough for me, but now he finally free from the disease with the help of total cure from ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC, he now walks properly and all symptoms has reversed, he was having trouble with balance especially at night, getting into the shower and exiting it is difficult,getting into bed is also another thing he finds impossible.we had to find a better solution for his condition which really helped him a lot,the biggest helped we had was ultimate life clinic they walked us through the proper steps,i recommended this http://www.ultimatelifeclinic.com to anyone who also needs help.
ReplyDelete