Dry Eye Syndrome - Symptoms and Causes

Dry eye syndrome is the layman's term for keratoconjunctivitis sicca, but the condition is also known as dysfunctional tear syndrome. Dry eye syndrome is a condition that is fairly self-explanatory, based on the name. Symptoms of the condition, such as chronically dry eyes, are caused by decreased tear production and distribution in the eyes. The symptoms can occur either because the tear-producing glands, called lacrimal glands, are not producing enough tears, or because of an incorrect composition of tears on the eyes, causing the tears to evaporate too quickly rather than remain as moisture on the surface of the eye.

The other major symptoms of dry eye syndrome include soreness in the eyes, redness, inflammation, general irritation, burning, stinging, itching, blurred vision, tired eyes, contact lens discomfort, scratchiness, grainy sensation, or the feeling of having something in the eye. Other symptoms, which are less common but may occur, include excessive mucus or watery discharge from the eyes, light sensitivity, and the feeling that eyes are glued shut when waking up from sleep.

Major causes of dry eye syndrome can be either behavioral or environmental. For example, those who spend much time in front of a computer screen will have eye strain, irritation, burning or stinging of the eyes, tired eyes and dry eyes. In addition, those who wear contact lenses are a high risk for developing dry eye syndrome. When worn over an extended period of time, contact lenses eventually can decrease the nerve sensation in the cornea. Contact lenses also absorb the moisture created by tears on the surface of the eye, which may lead to giant papillary conjunctivitis, an allergic reaction also known as GPC.

When contact lens use begins to cause dry eye syndrome, wearers may need to change the type of lens, decrease the length or amount of time the lenses are worn, or stop contacts lens use altogether.

Driving is another culprit of dry eye syndrome. Long periods of time driving can cause a reduced blink rate due to constantly, intensely focusing vision on the road. Driving also increases eye exposure to air conditioning, heating or wind, all of which dry out the eyes. In the same vein, sports that increase wind exposure, such as skiing, skating, sailing or biking, will cause increased evaporation of tears and therefore drier eyes.

Environmental surroundings and conditions, not only the aforementioned behavioral factors, can cause dry eye syndrome to occur. Pollution, including tobacco smoke, can influence tear production and evaporation. High altitudes or climates that are hot, dry, or windy can cause an increase in evaporation of tears on the surface of the eyes. Indoor environments with fans, air conditioning or heating can increase tear evaporation as well.

In addition to behavior choices and environmental factors, diseases and other conditions can lead to dry eye syndrome. Allergies, an inflammatory reaction, can cause inflammation in the eyes, decreasing tear production and increasing tear evaporation. It is also important to be aware that allergy relief eye drops can actually contain ingredients that contribute to inflammation. Lagophthalmos is a condition in which the eyelids do not close properly, particularly when sleeping, and this prolonged exposure of the eyes causes increased dryness. A wide variety of other medical conditions can contribute to dry eye syndrome. If you feel that you may be suffering from dry eye syndrome, it is best to discuss the symptoms and situation with your optometrist.