Live Life Team
Diagnosis of Dry Eye Syndrome
First and foremost, the specialist inquires about and examines the patient’s medical history and problem being faced. In case a condition of DES has been identified the person may be referred to one of the following:
An Optometrist
The optometrist will inspect the eyes and confirm whether the patient has DES or no. the following tests may be performed:
The Schirmer test – under this process, a few small strips of blotting paper are kept under the eyelid, five minutes after which they are removed and the extent to which it has become wet is measured.
The Rose Bengal test – under this process, a non poisonous dye called Royal Bengal, is put on the surface of the eye. The colour of the dye helps the specialist to know how well the tear film is working, and the time taken to evaporate by the tears.
An ophthalmologist
The ophthalmologist uses special instruments and modified methods to examine the eyes.
Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome
Some of the ways of treating the symptoms are:
If a person has DES due to a different chronic medical condition, then the specialist cures that condition in order to get rid of DES. For instance; if a person has DES due to an unhealthy condition like Blepharitis, then the specialist treats Blepharitis to cure DES. In this way all the possible causes will be eliminated coming to the base of the issue.
A person may be given tear substitutes in the form of eye drops, to prevent the dispersion of tears.
Prescribing anti – inflammatory medicines in the form of an ointment or cream reduce severe DES.
Making use of specialised eye wear like moisture chamber spectacles reduces the symptoms of DES. Specially made contact lenses can also be used.
If the condition fails to respond to any of the above mentioned treatments, the only option that can be taken would be a surgery. Surgeries like the salivary gland auto transplantation or the punctual occlusion can be performed.
Complications of Dry Eye Syndrome
Conjunctivitis: dry eye syndrome may often lead to mild cases of conjunctivitis. Although if it tends to get severe, it has be treated immediately.
Ulceration of the Cornea: Dry Eye Syndrome can cause damage and discomfort to the surface of the cornea, which causes welling or ulceration. This may lead to a destructive vision.
How Dry Eye Syndrome can be prevented,
A few self care methods by which a person can avoid or lessen the symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome are listed below:
Keep your eyes clean and massaging them – smoothly clean your eyes using cotton wool/cotton bud and warm water. Massage the eyes regularly in a circular motion pushing out the mucus like liquid.
Protection from hot air and wind – this can e done by wearing wraparound glasses.
Modify the position of the computer at your workplace in a way to lessen the eye strain to a minimum.
Reducing smoking
Make use of a humidifier
Follow a healthy diet.
