Dry eye syndrome affects millions of people, especially in our climate and with increased screen time. It's not just uncomfortable—it can impact your quality of life and vision.
Understanding Dry Eyes
Dry eyes occur when tears are insufficient in quantity or quality. Tears are essential because they: - Lubricate the eye surface - Protect against infection - Provide nutrients to the cornea - Support clear vision
Common Causes
- Screen time and reduced blinking
- Aging (tears decrease with age)
- Hormonal changes
- Medications (antihistamines, decongestants)
- Environmental factors (wind, dry climate)
- Autoimmune conditions (Sjögren's syndrome)
Symptoms to Watch For
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Grittiness or foreign body sensation
- Paradoxical tearing (excessive tears from irritation)
- Blurred vision
- Redness and irritation
Advanced Diagnostic Testing
At Philta Eyecare, we use sophisticated testing to diagnose dry eye:
**Tear Osmolarity Testing:** Measures salt concentration in tears
**Meibomian Gland Imaging:** Assesses oil gland function
**Tear Break-up Time (TBUT):** Evaluates tear film stability
Treatment Options
#Non-Invasive - Artificial tears (various formulations) - Warm compresses to stimulate oil glands - Eyelid hygiene and massage - Omega-3 supplementation
#Medical Treatments - Prescription eye drops (cyclosporine, lifitegrast) - Anti-inflammatory medications - Punctal plugs to conserve tears
#Advanced Procedures - Meibomian gland expression - Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy - Corneal cross-linking
Lifestyle Modifications
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule for screen use
- Stay hydrated
- Use humidifiers in dry environments
- Avoid smoke and excessive wind exposure
- Protect eyes with sunglasses
When to Seek Help
Persistent dry eyes warrant professional evaluation. Our comprehensive approach ensures you receive the right treatment for your specific dry eye type.
