Virtual Medical Centre

Dry Eye Syndrome (keratoconjunctivitis sicca)

• What is Dry Eye Syndrome?
• Who gets Dry Eye Syndrome?
• Predisposing Factors
• How Will Dry Eye Syndrome Affect Me?
• How is Dry Eye Syndrome Diagnosed?
• How is Dry Eye Syndrome treated?
• Dry Eye Syndrome References

What is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eye produces fewer or poorer quality tears and is unable to maintain normal eye lubrication. It can also occur when the lacrimal glands are damaged, or when tears evaporate more rapidly than normal.

The medical name for dry eye syndrome is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Symptoms of dry eye syndrome can include burning, scratchiness or irritation (feeling like there's something in your eye when there's not), redness, dryness, blurred vision, and an inability to wear contact lenses. Dry eye syndrome typically occurs in both eyes.

Dry Eye Syndrome Could you have dry eye syndrome?

Who gets Dry Eye Syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is very common. Approximately 20% of the Australian adult population suffer from dry eyes. Research suggests that up to 48% of office workers could experience dry eyes, due to their long exposure to air-conditioning and computer screens. Other groups more likely to report dry eyes include:

• Older adults.
• Post-menopausal and pregnant women.
• Individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis or autoimmune disorders such as lupus.
• Individuals who take medications such as the contraceptive pill, anti-histamines, tricyclic antidepressants, topical and systemic beta-blockers and topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.
• Individuals who wear contact lenses.

Predisposing Factors

Dry eye syndrome can be caused or exacerbated by a number of factors, including:

• Normal age-related reduction in the production of tears.
• Hormonal changes - particularly in the production of the female hormone oestrogen.
• Medications.
• Heavily air-conditioned environments.
• Any situation in which blinking is less likely, e.g., when staring at a computer screen, prolonged reading, driving or watching television.
• Windy, dusty, smoky, hot or dry weather conditions.
• Soft contact lenses that absorb tears.
• Eye injury/ burns.
• Fans or hair dryers blowing directly onto the face.