Dry eye is a common ocular surface condition that occurs when the quantity or quality of tears is insufficient to keep the eye’s surface lubricated and protected.
The tear film plays an important role in protecting the eye, ensuring ocular comfort, and maintaining clear vision. When it becomes unstable or evaporates too quickly, dryness, burning, irritation, or fluctuating vision may occur.
Dryness, burning, irritation, fluctuating vision, and discomfort.
Assessment of the ocular surface and tear film.
Treatment is determined by the cause and mechanism of dry eye.
Symptoms may vary from person to person and throughout the day.
Dry eye does not only mean a sensation of dryness. Symptoms may vary from person to person and throughout the day.
Sometimes, the eyes may water excessively even when the ocular surface is insufficiently lubricated. Tearing can be a reflex response to irritation and does not always mean that the tear film is stable or that the eye is well hydrated.
If symptoms persist, recur frequently, or affect everyday activities, an ophthalmological assessment is recommended to identify factors contributing to the discomfort and determine appropriate care.
Discomfort may occur spontaneously or after prolonged periods of visual concentration.
It may feel as though something is in the eye, even when no foreign body is present.
The ocular surface may become irritated and red.
Vision may change throughout the day and improve after blinking.
Light may become harder to tolerate when the ocular surface is irritated.
The eyes may become tired or irritated after prolonged visual activities.
Paradoxically, tearing may occur in response to irritation and dryness.
Contact lenses may become harder to tolerate, especially toward the end of the day.
Diabetes, Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and some thyroid disorders.
Some antihistamines, antidepressants, antihypertensives, diuretics, contraceptives, etc.
When we look at a phone, computer, or other screen for a long time, our blink rate may decrease. The tear film is spread across the eye less often, and tear evaporation may increase.
This may contribute to dryness, stinging, eye fatigue, and fluctuating vision, especially after long periods of close-up work.
An ophthalmological consultation is recommended when symptoms persist, recur frequently, or interfere with daily activities, reading, computer work, or contact lens wear.
The doctor evaluates the ocular surface, eyelids, and tear film and determines whether further tests are needed based on the symptoms and examination findings.
Assessment begins with a review of symptoms and an ophthalmological examination. Depending on the individual case, the doctor may recommend additional tests to assess the tear film and ocular surface more precisely.
The consultation allows the doctor to assess symptoms, the ocular surface, eyelids, and tear film.
The assessment examines tear film stability, the ocular surface, and the function of the Meibomian glands.
TearCheck® is a non-invasive examination system that enables objective assessment of the tear film and ocular surface.
The examination can provide information about tear film stability, the Meibomian glands, blinking, eye redness, and other parameters relevant to dry eye assessment.
TearCheck® results complement the ophthalmological consultation and are interpreted by the doctor alongside the patient’s symptoms and clinical examination.
Discover TearCheck® →Treatment is tailored to the cause and mechanism of dry eye. Depending on the individual case, the doctor may recommend care measures, tear film replacement, or specialized therapies.
E-Eye® / IRPL is a technology used to treat certain forms of dry eye, particularly when the Meibomian glands are involved.
Discover E-Eye® / IRPL treatment →Artificial tears may be recommended to hydrate and lubricate the ocular surface and reduce the sensation of dryness and discomfort.
View I-Fresh Yal →
Take regular breaks when working at a computer and remember to blink.
Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning, fans, or strong air currents.
Protect your eyes from wind, dust, and smoke.
Maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day.
Follow recommendations for wearing and caring for contact lenses.
Maintaining adequate indoor humidity may help reduce tear evaporation.
Dry eye can have different causes and mechanisms. A careful assessment of the tear film, Meibomian glands, and ocular surface helps the doctor better understand each case and recommend appropriate care.
