OCULAR
DRYNESS
Dry eye disease (DED) is a highly prevalent inflammatory disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, being one of the main reasons for visiting an Eye Care Professional.
DED can be classified into 4 levels, based on severity:
1. Mild
2. Moderate
3. Severe
4. Very severe
As for the causes of DED, several factors have been found:
- - Environmental conditions: air-conditioning, smoky or extremely low-humidity environments.
- - Digital devices use: often computer users complain of eye strain, a burning or gritty sensation in the eyes.
- - Contact lens wear may cause certain patients to complain of their eyes feeling dry.
- - Corneal refreactive surgery & keratoplast may cause or aggravate DED.
- - Sex hormones: androgen levels decreases with age in both men and women.
- - MGD (Meibomium Gland Disfunction).
