Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, failing to adequately moisten and protect the eye surface. Tears help to keep the eyes clean, healthy, and well moisturized. When the eyes produce inadequate or poor-quality tears, it causes symptoms such as grittiness, a burning sensation, and itching.
 

While some people experience mild symptoms, others suffer from severe dry eye. Find out whether dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition or can be cured.
 

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests that over 4.8 million adults in the U.S. experience chronic dry eye syndrome. However, the National Eye Institute estimates that more than 15 million individuals have dry eye. The condition usually affects adults over 50 years old, but it can occur at any age.
 

Women are more likely to suffer from dry eye than men. Dry eye syndrome causes discomfort and can lead to poor vision. Many factors can contribute to the condition. They range from the use of certain medications to environmental factors.
 

How the Tear Film Functions

Dry eye is a condition resulting from the tear film not working optimally. The tear film helps to protect and lubricate the eye surface and is essential for good vision. It contains three layers: oil, water, and mucus.
 

The outer oily layer helps to reduce tear evaporation while spreading the tear film across the eye surface. The watery layer helps to wash away grit and other debris from the eye surface. The mucus is the sticky layer coating the cornea. It helps to spread the watery layer while keeping the tear film on the eye surface.
 

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

Sometimes, the eyes fail to produce enough tears or one of the layers fails to work properly. Several systems and glands help to keep the tear film healthy. When the tear film fails to work optimally, it causes eye dryness. Symptoms of dry eye include:

• A burning or stinging sensation.
• A feeling of something in the eye.
• Blurry vision.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Discomfort when keeping the eyes open.

If untreated, dry eye syndrome can cause complications, such as cornea damage.
 

Is Dry Eye Syndrome Chronic?

Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition with no cure. However, some treatments help to relieve the symptoms. There are management options that help to keep the eyes moisturized, reducing symptoms and protecting the patient’s vision.
 

Dry eye management involves maintaining a functional tear film over the eye surface and removing or reducing environmental triggers. Treating underlying medical conditions can help to relieve dry eye symptoms. It is necessary to note that dry eye is a part of the natural aging process.
 

Dry Eye Syndrome Treatments

Doctors can prescribe various treatments to relieve dry eye syndrome. They recommend treatment depending on the severity of symptoms and underlying cause. The options include:

• Artificial tears or OTC eye drops.
• Prescription eye drops.
• Moisturizing ointments or gels.
• Autologous serum drops.
• Punctal occlusion.
• Thermal pulsation therapy (LipiFlow).
• Intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy.
• Specialized contact lenses.
• Eyelid surgery.

Applying a warm compress over the eyelids can help to soothe dry eye symptoms by unclogging the oil-producing glands. Other home remedies are cleaning the eyelids regularly, using an eyelid scrub, applying castor oil, and taking supplements.
 

For more on whether dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition, visit San Marino Optometry. We proudly serve the San Marino, San Gabriel, and Arcadia communities in California. Call (626) 415-3600 to schedule an appointment today.
 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24479-dry-eye