Dry Eye Assessment and Management Flashcards
What two categories can DED be separated into?
1) Aqueous deficient
2) Evaporative
What does it mean to have Evaporative DED?
Usually due to eyelid and/or ocular surface issues causing deficiency in the lipid layer.
What does it mean to have an aqueous deficient DED?
Poor Lacrimal gland function resulting in insufficient tear production.
What are the functions of the precorneal tear film? (3)
1) forms a smooth refractive surface on the epithelium.
2) it maintains a moist environment for the epithelium
3)it carries oxygen to the eye
What are the 3 reasons why blinking is important?
1) maintains intact precorneal tear by constantly spreading the tear film evenly across the eye.
2) Removal of debris on the eye
3) Bring tears towards the puncta so tear exchange happens
Signs of DED disease? (9)
1) Scratchiness, 2) Feeling as if something is in their eye, 3) Pain, 4) Redness, 5) Discharge 6) Heaviness in Eyelids 7) Light Sensitivity 8) Eye Fatigue 9) Blurred vision
What is the medical term for DED?
Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca/ Keratitis Sicca
What demographics suffer from dry eye (3)?
1) Increased age
2) Female sex
3) Asian Race
What are some past medical history reasons which could contribute to DED? (9)
1) Connective tissue disease
2) Sjogren Syndrome
3) Androgen deficiency
4) History of hematopoietic stem cell transplant
5) Diabetes
6) Rosacea
7)Thyroid Disease
8) Psychiatric Prescription
9) Viral Injection
What are some medications that could cause DED? (5)
1) antihistamines
2) antidepressants
3) estrogen replacement therapy
4) isotretinoin
5) Contact lens wear
What Social History reasons contribute to DED? (4)
1) Pollution
2)Low Humidity
3) Occupational computer use
4) Low fatty acid intake
How do you assess if you have DED? (3)
1) Schirmer’s test
2) Tear break up time (TBUT)
3) Tear meniscus height
What can an Optician do if a px presents with DED symptoms?(6)
1) DED education
2) Environment modifications
3) Dietary modifications
4) Removal of offending agents
5) OTC ocular lubricants
6) Lid Hygiene
What can an Ophthalmologist’s role be when a px is presenting with DED? (2)
1) Punctal Occlusion (blockage) can put a plug in the punctum
2) Prescription DED drugs
What are some home remedies for dry eye? (6)
1) Take a break from cl
2) Wear sunglasses for sun and wind protection
3) Apply warm compresses
4) Use a humidifier
5) Avoid alcohol and smoking
6) Stay hydrated
