What dry eye disease is
Dry eye disease, also called keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a chronic condition in which the eye lacks moisture and adequate lubrication. People with dry eyes often experience redness, itching, pain and a recurring burning sensation.
Activities that strain the eyes, such as reading in poor light, long hours at a computer screen and time spent in very dry or air-conditioned environments, can aggravate the condition and may affect vision over time.
Symptoms
Alongside pain, redness and burning, the eyes tend to tire more quickly than usual, and reading or computer work for long periods becomes difficult. Other symptoms of dry eye disease include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Mucus build-up in or around the eyes
- A constant feeling of something in the eye
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- A feeling of pressure behind the eyes
Causes
Dry eye has many causes. They range from environmental factors, such as low humidity or a dry, windy climate, to lifestyle factors such as wearing contact lenses for long hours every day and smoking. Dry eye can also be a side effect of medication taken for other conditions, and is associated with vitamin D deficiency, thyroid problems, blepharitis and damage to the tear ducts, among others.
Treatment options
It is worth having your eyes examined as soon as you notice any of the symptoms above. An eye specialist at our clinic will identify the cause and recommend the treatment that fits it.
Over-the-counter and prescription medication
For mild dry eye, lubricating eye drops such as artificial tears are often enough, and they are particularly helpful for contact lens wearers. In more severe cases the relief may be temporary and stronger medication, taken orally or as eye drops, may be needed.
If an existing medication is found to be causing your dry eyes, stopping it may ease the symptoms. The effects of stopping must be weighed against the side effects you are experiencing, so discuss the next step and any alternatives with your doctor.
Environmental and lifestyle changes
If environmental factors are the cause, protecting the eyes from drying out can help. Wear sunglasses outdoors to shield the eyes from dust and sun, use a humidifier indoors and drink enough water each day. Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke can also ease symptoms.
E-Eye (IRPL) treatment for meibomian gland dysfunction
Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a condition in which the tiny glands along the eyelids do not secrete enough oil, or the oil they secrete is of poor quality. E-Eye uses Intense Regulated Pulsed Light (IRPL), designed specifically for dry eye caused by MGD, and is used for mild, moderate and severe cases.
IRPL is a non-invasive treatment in which pulses of light are directed at the skin of the cheek below the eye to soften and release hardened or clogged oil in the glands. It also aims to reduce inflammation and redness and to improve the function of the oil glands.
Each session takes around 3 to 5 minutes. Make-up and cosmetics are removed from the skin beforehand. Our eye care providers usually recommend a course of three sessions, typically on day 1, at 2 weeks and at 6 weeks, with further sessions as needed. A lid massage is given after each E-Eye session to stimulate oil production in the meibomian glands.
BlephEx
Blepharitis is a condition that causes symptoms ranging from itching, blurred vision and redness to severe dry eye disease. It develops when bacteria build up on the eyelids and at the base of the eyelashes, and the risk increases with age. Meibomian gland dysfunction caused by blepharitis is one of the main causes of dry eye disease.
BlephEx is a quick, usually comfortable in-clinic procedure that treats dry eye and blepharitis together. Performed by our trained eye care specialists, it removes the biofilm and bacterial toxins that drive inflammatory lid disease and dry eye, with the aim of improving the health of the eyelids and the eye surface.
A medical-grade micro-sponge is spun carefully along the edge of the eyelids and lashes, removing debris and exfoliating the lid margin. The procedure takes about 10 minutes, and numbing drops are used beforehand to keep it comfortable.
Depending on the severity of the condition, BlephEx can be repeated at regular intervals. As the eyelids improve, tear production tends to normalise, easing the symptoms of blepharitis and dry eye.
The LipiFlow system
LipiFlow is a medical device, approved by the US FDA, that applies controlled warmth and massage to the eyelids so that oil from blocked eyelid glands can flow into the tear film.
The practitioner places the device around and behind the eyelids. It rests on the eye like a contact lens but does not touch the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. Controlled warmth is directed at the inner eyelid surface while the eye itself is insulated from the heat. The temperature is slightly above normal body temperature and, based on prior clinical studies, below the level that would harm the eyelid or eye. At the same time, controlled pressure is applied to the outer eyelid to release oil from the blocked glands.
During treatment you feel warmth and a pressure sensation on the eyelids. Treatment takes 12 minutes per eye and your doctor monitors it throughout. Afterwards the device is removed and your eyes are examined. Whether LipiFlow is a suitable option for you is decided during an eye examination that tests for blocked eyelid glands and the associated dry eye symptoms.
Limitations
Dry eye is a chronic condition. Treatments aim to relieve symptoms and improve gland function, but many patients need ongoing care, and the response to each treatment varies from person to person. Limiting activities that strain the eyes remains important. If you have mild irritation or feel that your vision is being affected, have your eyes checked.