Chronic Dry Eye: How do I know I have it?

Dry eye is a common issue that many people experience at some point in their lives. However, determining whether your dry eye symptoms are temporary or indicative of a chronic condition is essential for effective management and treatment. In this blog post, we’ll explore the signs that may indicate your dry eye is chronic and how to seek appropriate care.

Understanding Dry Eye

Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. While occasional dry eye can be caused by environmental factors, allergies, or prolonged screen time, chronic dry eye syndrome is a long-term condition that requires attention.

Signs Your Dry Eye May Be Chronic

• Persistent Symptoms

If you experience dryness, burning, or irritation consistently over several weeks or months, this may indicate chronic dry eye. Unlike temporary dry eye, which usually resolves with lifestyle changes, chronic symptoms linger and can worsen over time.

• Grittiness or Sandy Sensation

A feeling of grittiness or the sensation of having sand in your eyes is often associated with dry eye. This discomfort can be frustrating and distracting throughout the day.

• Increased Light Sensitivity

If you find that bright lights or even normal indoor lighting causes discomfort, this heightened sensitivity may be a sign that you have chronic dry eye syndrome.

• Vision Fluctuations

Chronic dry eye can lead to blurred vision or fluctuating visual clarity. If you notice that your vision improves with blinking but becomes blurry again shortly after, this could be a symptom of chronic dry eye.

• Redness and Inflammation

Persistent redness or inflamed eyes can be a sign of dry eye. If your eyes often appear irritated, it’s important to pay attention to this symptom.

• Difficulty Performing Daily Tasks

If your dry eye symptoms interfere with your daily activities – such as reading, driving, or using digital devices – it may indicate a more serious issue that requires medical evaluation.

When to Seek Help

If you recognise any of the signs mentioned above and your symptoms persist, it’s crucial to consult an eye care professional. A comprehensive eye exam can help determine the underlying cause of your dry eye and whether it is chronic.

Diagnosis of Chronic Dry Eye

During your visit to Freedom Eye Laser, our Doctor of Optometry, Dr Nazanin Azimi, may perform several tests to assess your tear production and eye health, including:

• Inflammation Tests: Checks for signs of inflammation on the surface of the eye.
• Tear Breakup Time Test: Evaluates how quickly tears evaporate from your eye’s surface.
• Slit Lamp Microscopy Diagnostics: Analyses the condition of the whole external eye, ocular surface, lids and adnexa.

With 8 years experience solely focused on dry eye, and as a dry eye sufferer herself, she is well versed in diagnosing the condition, with empathy for her patients, while understanding its everyday impacts and treatments. 

Treatment Options for Chronic Dry Eye

If you’re diagnosed with dry eye syndrome, various treatment options are available, including:

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter eye drops to provide temporary relief.
• Prescription Medications: These may help increase tear production or reduce inflammation.
• Heat packs: Heat on the eyelids helps to break down the blocked meibomian glands and to provide some temporary relief.
• Advanced Therapies: Options like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy or minor surgical procedures may be recommended for more severe cases.
• Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporating regular breaks during screen time, using humidifiers, and staying hydrated can make a difference.

Conclusion

Understanding whether your dry eye is chronic is essential for finding the right treatment and improving your quality of life. If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to Dr Nazanin Azimi at our Dry Eye Clinic for a thorough evaluation. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can effectively manage chronic dry eye and enjoy clearer, more comfortable vision.