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- ‘Dry eye' is a condition characterized
by an unstable tear film causing irritation
and discomfort in the eye. This is because
of either decreased quantity of tears
or their increased evaporation from
the eye. The symptoms are non-specific
and can range from a tired or itching
eye to diminished vision in severe cases.
Normally tears get drained out of eye
through small openings in the lids called
punctum. These can be blocked with “punctual
plugs” to reduce the tear drainage and
evaporation and keep the eye moist and
well lubricated.
- Clinical examination along with
specific tests can help diagnose the
condition of dry eyes. A detailed examination
is done to assess the severity of the
problem and other complications. The
treatment includes use of preservative-free
artificial tears, topical immunosuppressive
medication and autologous serum.
Dry eyes can sometimes be a manifestation
of an underlying systemic disease like rheumatoid
arthritis. Such patients are jointly treated
by the ophthalmologist and rheumatologist.
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