Xerophthalmia, or dry eye, can be caused by injury, medication, age-related disorders, autoimmune conditions, and vitamin A deficiency. Symptoms include burning, itching, sensitivity to light, and blurry vision. Treatment options include prescription eye drops, medications, and clinical procedures like point occlusion.
Xerophthalmia is a general medical term for dry eye. Decreased wetness and tear production is a very common complaint that can be caused by eye injury, prescription drug use, age-related disorders, and some autoimmune conditions. Xerophthalmia is usually accompanied by annoying symptoms of burning, itching and sensitivity to light. Some people have blurry vision or lose their vision completely if they don’t seek medical attention. Treatment for xerophthalmia depends on the underlying cause, but most people are able to find relief with prescription topical or oral eye drops or medications.
A person who has an acute case of xerophthalmia that occurs within hours may have suffered a burn, blow, or scratch. While an injury usually causes an increase in tears soon after the accident, it can eventually deplete tear production and leave the eye dry, red, and irritated. Dryness in one or both eyes can also be a side effect of antihistamines, birth control pills, or many other prescription drugs. Acute dry eye symptoms are common in older adults, as the tear ducts gradually become less effective at providing the eyes with adequate moisture.
A common cause of chronic xerophthalmia in many parts of the world is vitamin A deficiency. Dietary vitamin A is absorbed by the body and used to strengthen bones and skin, preserve teeth, and regenerate pigments in the retinas of the eyes. People who don’t get enough vitamin A are at risk of many health problems, including xerophthalmia and vision problems that get worse quickly.
An autoimmune disease called Sjogren’s syndrome can also affect tear production. The condition occurs when the immune system begins to attack the saliva glands, tear ducts and mucous membranes of the body. People experience chronic, painful dry eyes and dry mouth, among other symptoms.
Mild or occasional xerophthalmia can usually be treated at home with over-the-counter artificial tears. If problems become chronic and painful, however, a person should make an appointment with an eye doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and learn about different treatment options. A physical exam and laboratory blood and tear analysis can help a doctor determine the underlying cause of dry eyes. Medicated eye drops, antibiotics, and topical ointments are commonly prescribed to relieve chronic symptoms and repair damage to the tear ducts.
If your xerophthalmia continues to get worse despite medical treatment, an eye doctor may consider a clinical procedure called point occlusion. He or she inserts a small piece of silicone into the corner of one eye to plug the tear duct. The procedure prevents the duct from draining moisture from the eyes into the sinuses, which increases the amount of tears available. Invasive surgery to permanently close the ducts is rarely done. Point occlusion and surgery have very high success rates, and most people are able to regain their vision and eye comfort within a few weeks.
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