Hong Kong dry-eye syndrome sufferers given more treatment options

More than half a million Hongkongers suffer from dry-eye syndrome, yet there is a lack of awareness and knowledge of treatment options, an expert from the University of Hong Kong says.

The disease occurs when there is insufficient moisture on the eye surface. Symptoms include blurred vision, burning, itchiness and inflammation.

Sufferers can also find it difficult to perform activities such as using a computer and reading for a prolonged time and, if untreated, the disease can lead to pain, scars on the cornea and some loss of vision. Many of those affected regularly use eye drops and gel.

Dr Marcus Marcet from the university's department of opthalmology attributed the large number of sufferers to an ageing population, pollution and the increased use of computers in offices.

Dry-eye syndrome is also a common temporary aftermath of laser eye surgery to treat short-sightedness as the treatment cuts across nerves in the eyes, making them unable to detect dryness.

Marcet said many Hongkongers were unaware that they could receive insertions to plug the tear duct to prevent tears being drained.