LaserVision

What is Aetiology?

Dry eye is also known as aetiology and is a multifactorial disorder of the ocular surface, affecting up to a third of people aged over 65.

There are two main classifications of this condition; aqueous deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye.

Aqueous-deficient dry eye or ADDE refers to a limited production of aqueous tears from the lacrimal system. Evaporative dry eye or EDE refers to a deficient lipid layer on the surface of the tears causing excessive evaporation of the tear film.

Many individuals with dry eyes exhibit clinical signs and symptoms of both forms.

Aetiology Symptoms

What are the Symptoms?

  • Ocular Irritation
  • Gritty, foreign body sensation
  • Paradoxically watery eyes
  • Intermittently blurred vision

What are the Causes?

There is a direct link between dry eye syndrome and specific environmental conditions, including: age, poor health and medication.

It is well documented that air conditioning, central heating and noxious fumes such as cigarette smoke can compromise the ocular surface. In addition, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can damage the lacrimal system and deplete tear production.

Common medications including the contraceptive pill can also increase an individual’s risk of developing dry eye symptoms.

Causes
Causes

What are the Causes?

There is a direct link between dry eye syndrome and specific environmental conditions, including: age, poor health and medication.

It is well documented that air conditioning, central heating and noxious fumes such as cigarette smoke can compromise the ocular surface. In addition, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can damage the lacrimal system and deplete tear production.

Common medications including the contraceptive pill can also increase an individual’s risk of developing dry eye symptoms.

Aetiology Diagnosis

What is the Diagnosis?

Management of dry eye disorder requires a multi-faceted approach and can only be instigated following a comprehensive ocular examination.

Non-invasive steps to optimise tear film quality are often advised including punctal occlusion, therapeutic eye drops and the treatment of associated lid margin disorders such as blepharitis. Laser Vision’s specialist BlephEx treatment can be an effective method of managing blepharitis long-term.

It is also important for patients to have regular breaks from their VDU devices to counteract the likely reduction in blink rate.

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Need to know more about this condition?

If you’d like some more information or to discuss this condition with one of our experts, simply drop us a line or give us a call and we’d be delighted to speak with you.
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