This is the Dry Eye Blog from the experts at The Dry Eye Centre. For more information, please visit: www.dryeyecentre.co.uk

Wednesday 10 February 2016

The different types of Dry Eye



In 2007, a groundbreaking study found that Dry Eye Disease should be classified into two different types: Aqueous tear deficiency (ATD) and evaporative dry eye (EDE).

Aqueous deficient dry eye is when there is a lack of production of the watery layer of the tears. This can be caused by an auto-immune disorder called Sjogrens, or by other causes for example as a consequence of LASER surgery. Treatments from aqueous deficient dry eye include punctal plugs and ciclosporin medication, which the Dry Eye Centre is one of the few clinics licensed to prescribe.

Evaporative dry eye is caused when the tears evaporate too quickly. This is due to factors such as a lack of the oily layer of the tears (meibum) or from incomplete blinking. Intense Pulsed Light treatment is aimed at treating evaporative dry eye.

While research has shown that a majority people suffer from evaporative dry eye, research also shows that up to 1/3 of patients suffer from combined ATD and EDE(2)  and that there are commonalities of both types, with inflammation being the most obvious.

When doing an assessment, it is vital that the professional keep an open mind and deliver a treatment program tailored to an individual's specific needs.

We believe that it takes a lot of experience and expertise to properly assess and treat patients who suffer from Dry Eye. The Dry Eye Centre was one of the first Dry Eye Speciality practices to open in the UK and our clinicians Dr. Caroline Hodd and Conan Tam are recognised experts in the field, having attended and spoken at many Eye Conferences on the subject.

If you're interested in having your own assessment done with our experts, book an appointment with us today.


Photo Credit: (1) The Definition and Classification of Dry Eye Disease: Report of the Definition and Classification Subcommittee of the International Dry Eye Work Shop (2007, THE OCULAR SURFACE / APRIL 2007, VOL. 5, NO. 2
(2) Lemp MA, Crews LA, Bron AJ, et al. Distribution of Aqueous-Deficient and Evaporative Dry Eye in a Clinic-Based Patient Cohort: A Retrospective Study. Cornea. 2012 May;31(5):472-8.

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