DRY EYES

What is Dry eyes?

Dry eye disease is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren’t able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate and unstable for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. This tear instability leads to inflammation and damage of the eye’s surface.

Dry eye syndrome may cause a range of symptoms, including:

• Eye redness or soreness

• Excessive tearing

• A stinging or burning sensation in the eyes

• A sensation of grit in the eyes

• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes

• Eye sensitivity to smoke or wind or light

• Blurred vision, double vision

• Eye fatigue after reading, even for a short time

• Eyelids sticking together when waking up

What Are the Main Causes of Dry Eye?

People tend to make fewer tears as they get older due to hormonal changes. Both men and women can get dry eyes. However, it is more common in women especially those who have gone through menopause.

Here are some other causes of dry eye:

• Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disease, and lupus

• Blepharitis (when eyelids are swollen or red)

• Entropion (when eyelids turn in); ectropion (eyelids turn outward)

• Looking at a computer screen for a long time, reading and other activities that reduce blinking

• Using contact lenses for a long time

• Having refractive eye surgery, such as LASIK

• Mask-induced dry eye is also common nowadays especially worn for protection during the Covid-19 pandemic. A mask with poor fitting can cause the air we breathe to flow up across the surface of the eye and lead to evaporation and dryness

• Taking certain medicines, such as:

- Diuretics (water pills) for high blood pressure

- Beta-blockers, for heart problems or high blood pressure

- Allergy and cold medicines (antihistamines)

- Anxiety and antidepressant medicines

- Heartburn medicines

- Sleeping pills

Treatment approaches for dry eye

The treatment for dry eye aims to:

• Restore or maintain adequate tear levels

• Reduce dryness and discomfort

Treatment options:

• Medications to control eye inflammation such as artificial tears supplements.

• Closing your tear ducts to reduce tear loss. Tear ducts can be plugged with tiny silicone plugs (punctal plugs).

• Unblocking eye glands in the eyelid: Warm compresses or eye masks used daily can help clear up blocked oil glands.

• Using light therapy and eyelid massage: A technique called intense-pulsed light therapy followed by massage of the eyelids may help people with severe dry eyes.

• Special contact lenses: Some people with severe dry eyes may opt for special contact lenses that protect the surface of the eyes and trap moisture. These are called scleral lenses or bandage lenses.

Dry eye prevention TIPS

These are the following tips for helping to prevent dry eyes:

• Instillation of artificial tears regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen for extended periods. We recommend the 20/20/20 rule. Take a 20 second break every 20 mins and look 20 feet away, blinking frequently.

• Wearing sunglasses with wraparound frames when outdoors to protect from climatic causes of dry eye.

• Avoiding dry outdoor environments, to reduce exposure to drying winds and the sun.

• Using a humidifier to increase indoor humidity at work and at home.

• Drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

• Nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids may help decrease dry eye symptoms.

• Apply a warm compress to closed eyelids for five to 10 minutes. This liquifies any thickened oil in the glands of your eyelid, resulting in a more stable lipid layer of the tear film.

by Dr Lisa Tan Sor Earn Consultant Ophthalmologist and Refractive Surgeon

Mouth breathing, the habit of breathing through the mouth rather than the nose, can have significant implications for facial and dental health. Together with Dr. Sylvia of Phi Dental, let’s explore the causes and effects of mouth breathing, as well as prevention and treatment options available.

Understanding Mouth Breathing:

Mouth breathing refers to the practice of breathing through the mouth instead of the nose. Unlike natural nasal breathing, which allows for optimal air filtration and humidification, mouth breathing bypasses these important functions.

Causes of Mouth Breathing:

Chronic nasal congestion or obstruction, allergies, enlarged tonsils or adenoids, deviated septum, facial or dental abnormalities, and habits like prolonged pacifier use or thumb sucking can contribute to mouth breathing.

Effects on Facial and Dental Structure:

Mouth breathing can have profound effects on facial and dental structures. Prolonged mouth breathing may result in a long face appearance, high and narrow palate, malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), crowded teeth, and changes in the position of the tongue, lips, and jaw.

Reversibility of Effects:

While the effects of mouth breathing can be significant, they are not necessarily irreversible. Early identification and intervention are crucial. Consulting with a stomatologist or dentist can help determine appropriate treatment options based on the individual’s specific condition.

Correcting the Effects:

Treatment for mouth breathing and its effects on facial and dental structures may involve a multidisciplinary approach. This can include addressing nasal congestion or obstruction, orthodontic treatment, myofunctional therapy to improve tongue and lip posture, and sometimes surgical intervention if necessary.

Significance During Childhood:

Mouth breathing during childhood is particularly critical due to ongoing facial and dental development. Early intervention, preferably before the age of 7, can help prevent long-term effects.

Preventive Measures:

Maintaining good nasal hygiene, effective allergy management, avoiding pacifier use or thumb sucking, and addressing underlying factors causing nasal congestion or obstruction are key prevention strategies. Regular dental check-ups aid in early identification.

Mouth breathing can have substantial impacts on facial and dental health, but early intervention and appropriate treatment can help mitigate these effects. Understanding the causes, consequences, and prevention strategies empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards improved overall health. Consulting with healthcare professionals is essential for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.