Dry eye

Dry Eye

Dry eye (pronounced: /draɪ aɪ/), also known as Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (pronounced: /ˌkɛrətoʊˌkɒndʒʌŋktɪˈvaɪtɪs ˈsɪkə/), is a common condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to the eyes drying out and becoming inflamed (red and swollen) and irritated.

Etymology

The term "dry eye" is derived from the English words "dry" and "eye". The medical term "Keratoconjunctivitis sicca" is derived from the Greek words "kerato" meaning cornea, "conjunctivitis" meaning inflammation of the conjunctiva, and "sicca" meaning dry.

Symptoms

Symptoms of dry eye can include:

Eye redness
A burning, stinging, or scratchy sensation in your eyes
Blurred vision
Sensitivity to light
Feeling like something is in your eyes
Difficulty wearing contact lenses
Difficulty with nighttime driving
Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes

Causes

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

Age - dry eye is a part of the natural aging process. The majority of people over age 65 experience some symptoms of dry eyes.
Gender - women are more likely to develop dry eyes due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives, and menopause.
Medications - certain medicines, including antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants, can reduce tear production.
Medical conditions - certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and thyroid problems, can contribute to dry eye symptoms.
Environmental conditions - exposure to smoke, wind, and dry climates can increase tear evaporation resulting in dry eye symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for dry eye can include:

Artificial tears and ointments
Medications to reduce inflammation
Punctal plugs to block tear ducts
Surgery to correct eyelid problems or permanently close tear ducts

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Dry eye
Wikipedia's article - Dry eye

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