H04.1
DESCRIPTION
Dry eye occurs when there is inadequate tear volume or function. The common symptoms include feelings of dryness, grittiness, burning and foreign body sensation, usually worse during the day. A stringy discharge, redness and transient blurring of vision are also common. Allergic conjunctivitis should be excluded.
GENERAL MEASURES
The management of dry eye involves controlling the symptoms, since the disease is generally not curable.
Patients should be educated to avoid over the counter topical medications, many of which exacerbate dryness, and control their environmental factors (e.g. encourage frequent blinking during visually attentive tasks, avoid air conditioners or heating, use humidifiers).
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Tear substitutes:
- Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, ophthalmic drops, 1 drop, 6 hourly.
OR
- Lanolin, anhydrous liquid, ophthalmic ointment, at night.