Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is more than just a symptom. It is a condition where insufficient tears lubricate the surface of the eye. There are two types of Dry Eye Syndrome: tear film insufficiency and evaporative dry eye.

In tear film insufficiency, the problem comes from inadequate or insufficient formation of tears. In evaporative dry eye, tears are evaporated and the tear film is not able to replace the moisture of the eye.



The main problem is not always the formation of tears but the quality of the tear film, which reduces as we age. Some dry eye patients may even complain from watery eyes and tearing because the glands are making an effort to compensate for the reduced tear film.

Symptoms usually include the following, and can be felt at different degrees of intensity:

• Increased sensitivity to light
• Redness of the eyes
• Gritting or sandy sensation in the eyes
• Eye burning or stinging
• Blurry vision
• Eyelid twitching
• Heaviness or fatigue sensation in the eyes
• Worsening of the symptoms by wearing contacts

In chronic cases of Dry Eye Syndrome, we can also have the following symptoms:

• Inability to cry
• Fluctuating vision
• Difficulty to focus and see small print
• Difficulty to stay in front of a computer screen for a long period

Dry Eye Syndrome can be caused by a series of factors, but instead of direct causes we have a long list of risk factors. They are as follows:

• Older age and female gender. Post-menopausal women are commonly affected
• Certain types of eyelid morphology
• Antidepressants, antihistamine medications, decongestants, and blood pressure medications.
• Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune conditions

There are various treatment options for the Dry Eye Syndrome, including warm compresses, artificial tears, omega 3 fatty acids, topical anti-inflammatory medications, and certain antibiotics in case of infection.



When all of the above treatment options do not improve the condition, we can also use punctal plugs. These plugs are made to fit the tear ducts, blocking them and directing the tears to the nose. This allows tears to remain in the eye for a longer time.

A form of dissolvable punctal plugs can be used after LASIK surgery or any other eye surgery. They make sure that your eyes maintain their moisture for a longer time. But in this case, we may need a long-term solution. Thus, semi-permanent plugs are used instead. It is always possible to remove them at any time, and they come in different shapes and materials that your doctor chooses according to your individual case.

If you’re experiencing the symptoms listed above, you might be a good candidate for punctal plugs. They are often prescribed for patients with chronic symptoms. Thus, if you have them, visit your ophthalmologist and ask for this type of treatment so that you know whether or not it is appropriate for you.