Dry eye syndrome is the condition of having dry eyes. Other associated symptoms include irritation, redness, discharge, and easily fatigued eyes. Blurred vision may also occur. The symptoms can range from mild and occasional to severe and continuous. Scarring of the cornea may occur in some cases without treatment.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Artificial tears are the usual first line treatment. Wrap around eyeglasses that fit close to the face may decrease tear evaporation. Also, Apply a warm, wet compress to the closed eyes using a washcloth heated in tolerably warm water. Apply at bedtime and upon awakening for 5 minutes.
Heat can be an effective treatment for dry eye cases that stem from meibomian gland dysfunction, because it softens the meibum. As the meibum gets softer, it flows more freely, creating a more robust oil film on the tear surface, thereby preventing tear evaporation.
