Causes:
- Frequent and prolonged use of electronic devices like smartphone, laptops, tablets and game consoles reduces the blink rate and induces evaporative dry eye disease. Unfortunately, this is a growing trend.
- Meibomian gland dysfunction [MGD) is more common than is realized. It can affect the composition of the tear film and cause dry eye. MGD occurs as meibomian gland secretions thicken and become clogged due to inflammation, obstruction, and/or gland atrophy. The patient presents with blepharitis with irritated, itchy eyelids with reddened lid margins
- Ocular allergies, mainly severe forms of keratoconjunctivitis (vernal and atopic), decrease tear film stability, impair both meibomian gland function and tear mucin secretion, induce ocular surface inflammation and affect corneal innervation.
- Autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren syndrome (SS), graft-vs-host disease (GVHD), and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
- rare congenital conditions which affect lacrimal glands and corneal nerve function: familial dysautonomia, Allgrove syndrome, alacrima, ectodermal dysplasia syndromes, multiple endocrine deficiency, cystic fibrosis, and congenital corneal anesthesia
- Dietary vitamin A deficiency
- Several drugs which induce or exacerbate dry eye disease, include systemic and topical retinoids for acne vulgaris, systemic and topical anti-allergic drugs, and benzalkonium chloride-preserved eyedrops.
- Contact lens use
Presentation:
Depending on the age of the child, he / she may not be able to express the discomfort. It is essential for parents to watch out for the following signs:
- Frequent blinking
- Constant eye rubbing
- Eye redness
- Gritty or sandy feeling in the eye
- Itchy eyes
- Light sensitivity
- Blurring of vision
