Is Dry Eye Syndrome dangerous in the long run?

Question

Hi , i think i suffer from dry eye syndrome and i have left it untreated for a year now, but does it affect your eyesight in the long term?could it lead to blindness?, or if there is a cure for it, thanks

Answer 1

i suffer from this and its treatable go to your doctor he may just prescribe liquid tears (clear gel) or may refer you to hospital to have simple test which takes minutes and doesn't hurt. I haven't been toldit'll affect my sight but it's uncomfortable if left untreated. your eyes feel gritty,as if there's something in them and get quite sore.

Do see about it eyes are precious  .  

Answer 2

I have dry eye,the simple answer is to use viscotears regularly,its a type of eyedrop, regular usage seems to cure it,i now go scuba diving , so it seems to work, ask the pharmacist, one tube lasts for about 6-7months.

Answer 3

Self-Care at Home

To help alleviate your symptoms from DES, you may want to try these self-help tips at home.

A humidifier puts more moisture in the air. With more moisture in the air, your tears evaporate more slowly, keeping your eyes more comfortable. Both furnaces in the winter and air conditioning in the summer decrease the humidity in the air.

Excessive air movement dries out your eyes. Avoid having excessive air movement by decreasing the speed of ceiling fans and/or oscillating fans.

Large amounts of dust or other particulate matter in the air may worsen the symptoms of dry eye. In those situations, an air filter may be helpful.

Hot compresses and eyelid scrubs/massage with baby shampoo help by providing a thicker, more stable lipid layer. This is especially helpful if you have meibomian gland dysfunction, rosacea, or blepharitis. The heat warms up the oil in the oil glands, making it flow more easily; the massaging action helps get the oil out of the glands. The cleansing action decreases the number of bacteria that break down the oil.

Artificial tears and lubricating eyedrops and gels (available over the counter) help provide more moisture and lubrication for the surface of your eye. They are typically used about four times a day, but they can be used as often as needed. Preservative-free solutions are recommended if you wish to use artificial tears more than six times a day. There is no single over-the-counter drop that is best for everyone. Each individual will determine which drop provides the most relief from symptoms. Some drops may have a longer effect than others. Lubricating eye ointments are much thicker than eyedrops and gels. Because ointments are so thick, they last much longer than eyedrops and gels. However, because of their thickness, ointments may blur your vision if used during the day. Therefore, they are typically used to lubricate the eyes overnight while you are asleep.

If you notice your eyes are dry mainly while you are reading or watching TV, taking frequent breaks to allow your eyes to rest and become moist and comfortable again is helpful. Closing your eyes for 10 seconds every five to 10 minutes will increase your comfort, as will blinking more frequently.

see this link 4 medicines:

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/dry_eye_s...

And NO,it dusnt lead to blindness as far as i know.

Answer 4

Most people are going to suffer from dry eyes as they age, though in some conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis it can also occur in the young. It is uncomfortable, but not usually hugely damaging to the eye. There is no cure, management is to use one of the many ocular lubricants.

Answer 5

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is chronic, bilateral desiccation of the conjunctiva and cornea due to an inadequate tear film. Symptoms include itching, burning, irritation, and photophobia. Diagnosis is clinical; the Schirmer test may be helpful. Treatment is with topical tear supplements, blockage of the nasolacrimal openings, and sometimes oral tetracyclines and/or topical antibiotics or topical cyclosporine.

Home Care:

The following steps may help:

    * Try artificial tears, available as either drops or ointment. Ointments last longer, but are thicker and can cause blurry vision.

    * Don't smoke. Avoid second-hand smoke, direct wind, and air conditioning.

    * Use a humidifier, especially in the winter.

    * Purposefully blink more often. Rest your eyes.

When to Contact a Medical Professional:

Call your doctor if:

    * You have red or painful eyes.

    * You have flaking, discharge, or a lesion on your eye or eyelid.

    * You have had trauma to your eye, or you have a bulging eye or a drooping eyelid.

    * You have joint pain, swelling, or stiffness.

    * You also have a dry mouth.

    * Your dry eyes do not respond to self-care measures within a few days.

Most people with dry eyes don't experience any long-term complications. However, if left untreated, severe dry eyes may lead to eye inflammation, infection and scarring on the surface of your cornea.