Assessment and Diagnosis of Dry Eye
Learn about the technologically advanced way that Collins Street Optometrists diagnose and assess Dry Eyes
Normal tear structure and function
The tear film serves a number of purposes. When functioning properly, it provides a smooth layer for light to enter the eye, so it is vital for good optics and vision. The tear film also protects the front of the eye from the environment and allows the lids to slide comfortably over the front surface. The tear film consists of three major layers:
- The outer oily or lipid layer that prevents the tears from breaking up and evaporating, and also helps the tears spread over the cornea. This layer is produced by the meibomian glands, about 25 of which line the margins of each eyelid. The oils secreted by these glands should be clear and run freely, resembling olive oil. Sometimes, however, the glands become blocked and/or the secretions become hard and waxy, no longer flowing freely.
- The middle aqueous layer that makes up the bulk of the tears. This layer is produced mainly by the lacrimal glands along with a number of smaller glands in the conjunctiva; it also contains various salts, proteins and anti-bodies that are critical for corneal wound repair and resistance against infection.
- The inner mucous layer that is responsible for enabling the tears to wet the eye by adhering to its front surface. This layer also removes unwanted fatty compounds from the corneal surface.
Tear quantity is determined by the aqueous layer whereas tear quality is generally dependent on the oily and mucous layers.
There are two main forms of dry eye disease – these are typically called evaporative dry eye, caused poor quality tears, and aqueous insufficiency due to low tear quantity.
- Evaporative dry eye accounts for around 80% of dry eye disease and is caused by poor functioning and/or blockage of the meibomian glands, also known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD – see also below). Decreased oil secretion by the meibomian glands results in rapid evaporation and breakup of the tears.
- Aqueous insufficiency occurs when the lacrimal gland fails to produce enough of the watery component of the tears. This results in hyperosmolarity of the tears, which means the tear salts and proteins become highly concentrated. In turn these high concentrations irritate the front surface of the eye, causing it to become inflamed.
Aside from meibomian gland dysfunction, other conditions that are often associated with dry eye disease include anterior blepharitis and Sjögren’s syndrome. Some systemic medication and general health conditions have also been associated with dry eye disease.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) describes chronic abnormality of the meibomian glands. it can occur if the glands become blocked, if the oily secretions become thickened, or if there is low production of oils by the glands. It is important to note that if blocked meibomian glands are left untreated they eventually cease to function and “drop out” – once this stage has been reached the glands can not recover or ever produce oils again.
- Anterior blepharitis refers to inflammation of the outside edge of the eyelids, most commonly caused by staph bacteria infection or by dandruff of the scalp and eyebrows. Anterior blepharitis frequently leads to secondary infection of the meibomian glands that sit more posteriorly (towards the back edge of the eyelids).
- Sjögren’s syndrome is a disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own moisture-producing glands, including the lacrimal glands. It most commonly co-exists with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and polymyositis/dermatomyositis. Because the lacrimal glands are affected by this condition, aqueous insufficient dry eye disease results.
Our diagnostic tests and methods for diagnosing and classifying dry eye are outlined here.
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More About Dry Eyes
Treatment Options for Dry Eye
Learn about the different dry eye treatments that Collins Street Optometrists provides.
Dry Eye Education and Resources
Other links and resources you can use to find out more about Dry Eye diseases.
Other services
Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology is a non-surgical process that reshapes the cornea by wearing rigid contact lenses while you sleep.
Co-Management
Co-management may require you to be under ongoing care of a medical specialist and your general medical practitioner.
Myopia Management
Myopia, commonly called short-sightedness makes it difficult to see distant objects clearly. It is a very common condition.
Comprehensive Eye Examinations
Not all eye examinations are the same, and our consultations involve much more than just the prescribing of spectacles or the fitting of contact lenses.
Dry Eye Management
Dry eye disease (DED) is an extremely common eye condition; in today's world it is occuring increasingly more frequently.
