The 4 Stages of Dry Eye Disease

Dry eye disease is a relatively common eye condition characterized by a lack of adequate tears. The condition is usually chronic and progressive, affecting patients daily. If not controlled, the disease continues to advance. Effective treatment will depend on the stage of the condition. 

 

It is easier to treat the condition during the initial stages. The patient can be in one of four stages, depending on the severity. Each stage will usually require a unique mode of treatment. It is necessary to understand the four stages of dry eye disease. 

 

Mild Dry Eye Symptoms

The early onset of the dry eye condition is characterized by mild symptoms. The symptoms usually include mild burning and itching and slight blurriness of vision. During the early stages, patients find themselves blinking more frequently and rubbing their eyes. 

 

An eye doctor can identify the initial stage of dry eye by looking for some conjunctival staining and tear film breakup. This is the best time to begin treatment for dry eye to prevent disease progression. 

 

Moderate Dry Eye Symptoms

As the condition progresses to the second stage, inflammation of the eye surface worsens, resulting in more symptoms. Symptoms like grittiness, dryness, and redness increase. An eye doctor will diagnose this second stage by examining visual signs in the patient’s tear film. Tear film breakup from two to seven seconds indicates stage two dry eye. Other symptoms are watery eyes and light sensitivity.

 

Severe Dry Eye Symptoms

By the third stage, patients experience severe symptoms. The symptoms worsen due to increased hyperosmolarity of tears, as well as inflammation of the eye surface. The natural communication between the tear-producing glands and the ocular surface is severely disrupted. 

 

During this stage, patients should continue to increase their treatment regimen, as well as make necessary lifestyle and environmental changes. Regular application of cold and heat therapy, as well as the use of specialty contacts or permanent punctal occlusion, is ideal. 

 

Most Severe Symptoms

If a dry eye disease remains untreated, it can get to stage four, the most severe symptoms. During this stage, patients experience severe symptoms such as stickiness, burning, photophobia, stinging, blurriness, itching, and a foreign body sensation in their eyes. 

 

To diagnose the condition, the eye specialist looks for signs of severe punctate erosions and conjunctival scarring. Corneal staining helps detect the problem. A tear film breakup of below three seconds signifies stage four dry eye condition. 

 

Treatment of Dry Eye Disease 

It is vital to start treatment during the early stages of the disease. Understanding the medical and environmental causes of the condition will help ensure effective treatment. Making lifestyle and environmental modifications can help prevent the worsening of symptoms. 

 

Daily cold and heat therapy help soothe the eyes. Using artificial tears helps boost healthy lipid flow. Doctors use systemic anti-inflammatories or surgery to treat the advanced stage. If you have symptoms of this disease, visit an eye specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. 


 

For more on the four stages of dry eye disease, contact Brandon Eyes at our offices in Madison and Middleton, Wisconsin. You can call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 today to schedule an appointment.