It occurs when there is inadequate tear volume or function.
Diagnostic Criteria
- Feelings of dryness, grittiness, burning and foreign body sensation, usually worse during the day
- Stringy discharge, redness and transient blurring of vision are also common. Exclude allergic conjunctivitis
Non-Pharmacological Treatment
- Control symptoms since the condition is not curable
- Educate patients to avoid unprescribed eye medications which may worsen the dryness and control their environmental factors by eg. blinking frequently during visual attentive tasks, avoid air conditioners
Pharmacological Treatment
Tear substitutes give:
C:Â Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose 0.7%, ophthalmic drops, 1 drop, 6 hourly.