Download dry eye syndrome - Moorfields Pharmaceuticals

Dry Eye Syndrome
Diagnosis and treatment
Patients - fact sheet
What is it?
How is it treated?
Dry eye syndrome - sometimes called
Lifestyle and environment
keratoconjunctivitis sicca – is a condition in which
Following a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome, your doctor
the eyes can’t make enough tears, or the tears
or optometrist will initially focus on identifying and
evaporate too quickly. This can cause the eyes
addressing lifestyle/environmental factors that may
to become dry, inflamed and uncomfortable.
cause or worsen your symptoms. These include:
• Smoky or dusty environments
How is it diagnosed?
• Air conditioning/heaters in the home or car
Your GP may make a diagnosis of dry eye syndrome
• Prolonged viewing of computer screens
by reviewing your symptoms, considering your medical
• Contact lens wear
history and looking at any medicines that you may be
• Over-rinsing with water or saline
taking. An examination may also be carried out to check
• Use of redness-relieving eyedrops such
for other conditions and complications.
as witch hazel
A good level of daily water intake will also be
Following your initial consultation, your GP may refer
encouraged to aid hydration. As omega-3 fatty acids
you to an optometrist for a complete eye check-up.
may reduce tear evaporation and inflammation, oral
An optometrist will use specialist equipment to
supplements or dietary intake via fish or flax seed oil
confirm whether you have dry eye syndrome or
is also often recommended.
other conditions.
Artificial tears and lubricants
Will I need to see a hospital doctor?
The term ‘artificial tears’ is a commonly used to
If the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome is uncertain or
describe drops, solutions and liquid gels applied directly
specialist tests and treatment are required, your GP
into the eye. Artificial tears don’t have all the component
may refer you to an ophthalmologist. These are
of real tears - they mainly just act as a lubricant. The
hospital doctors who specialise in eye disorders and
term ‘ocular lubricants’ generally refers to more viscous
surgery. The vast majority of cases, however, do not
products such as ointments. Your doctor or optometrist
need referral.
may recommend or prescribe artificial tears or an ocular
lubricant in addition to addressing the above lifestyle
and environmental factors. Methylcellulose inserts
Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose inserts (lacriserts) are
small pellets that contain artificial tears.
They are inserted under the eyelid once-daily, to help
Surgery
keep the surface of the eye moist. As a sustained-
Surgical procedures may be an option if dry eye
release formulation for artificial tears, the effect can last
syndrome doesn’t respond to other forms of treatment.
anywhere from 6 to 12 hours. Lacriserts are sometimes
recommended when dry eye symptoms cannot be
Punctual occlusion
controlled by frequent use of normal artificial tears.
Small plugs are used to seal the tear ducts, helping
tears to pool and thus protect the eyes. Temporary
Specialised spectacles
plugs made of silicone are normally used first to see if
Some cases of dry eye syndrome can be treated using
the operation has a positive effect. If so, the tear ducts
specially made glasses, known as moisture chamber
can be permanently sealed shut, using a laser or electric
spectacles. These wrap around the eyes like goggles,
heating device.
helping to retain moisture and protecting the eyes
from irritants. Their popularity is increasing as modern
Salivary gland autotransplantation
designs look like sports sunglasses, unlike the more
In this procedure, some of the glands that produce
cumbersome appearance of earlier versions.
saliva are removed from the lower lip and grafted into
the side of the eyes. The saliva produced by the glands
Specialist contact lenses
acts as a tear-substitute.
If regular contact lenses are causing dry eye syndrome,
specially designed ones are available to help overcome
Consult your doctor or optometrist if you think you may
the problem. Your optometrist or ophthalmologist
need treatment for dry eye syndrome.
will be able to give you more information on contact
lens options.
Further information can be found in our fact sheet
‘Dry Eye Syndrome – Causes and Symptoms’.
Medicines
Anti-inflammatory medicines can be used to help
reduce the inflammation associated with more
severe cases of dry eye syndrome. They are normally
prescribed in the form of a cream or ointment. Specialist
oral medications are sometimes used if products
and medicines applied directly into the eyes prove
unsuccessful. These oral treatments include tetracycline
analogues, cyclosporinem and tear secretagogues.
Your doctor will provide more information on these if
they are needed.