Name of the Condition

• Dry Eye Syndrome of Unspecified Lacrimal Gland
• Also known as Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca or simply Dry Eye Syndrome.

Summary

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that occurs when your tears aren't able to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. This may happen if you don't produce enough tears or if the tears you produce are of poor quality. It can affect one or both eyes and can lead to discomfort and vision problems if left untreated.

Causes

• Insufficient tear production due to aging or medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Poor tear quality related to meibomian gland dysfunction.
• Environmental factors such as wind, smoke, or dry climates.
• Long periods of computer use or screen exposure without taking breaks.
• Laser eye surgery, although symptoms of dry eyes related to this surgery are usually temporary.

Risk Factors

• Age: Dry eye is more common in people who are over the age of 50.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop this condition due to hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, using oral contraceptives, or menopause.
• Diet low in vitamin A or omega-3 fatty acids.
• Wearing contact lenses.
• Use of medications that reduce tear secretion, such as antihistamines, decongestants, blood pressure medications, and antidepressants.

Symptoms

• A stinging, burning, or scratchy sensation in the eyes.
• Stringy mucus in or around the eyes.
• Eye redness.
• Sensitivity to light.
• A sensation of having something in your eyes.
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses.
• Difficulty with nighttime driving.
• Watery eyes, which is the body's response to the irritation of dry eyes.
• Blurred vision or eye fatigue.

Diagnosis

• Comprehensive eye exam to assess the overall health of your eyes.
• Test to measure the volume of your tears (Schirmer test).
• Tear quality tests (staining and other special eye drops).
• Tear osmolarity testing.

Treatment Options

• Over-the-counter artificial tears to lubricate the eyes.
• Prescription eye drops like cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitegrast (Xiidra) to increase tear production.
• Punctal plugs to block tear ducts and reduce tear drainage.
• Lifestyle changes such as reducing screen time and increasing humidification.
• Omega-3 fatty acid supplements.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With proper treatment and management, most people with dry eye syndrome experience relief. Follow-up with an eye care professional is important to assess the effectiveness of treatments and make adjustments as needed.

Complications

• Eye infections due to lack of adequate tears to clean the surface of the eye effectively.
• Damage to the surface of the cornea, leading to corneal ulcers and possibly impacting vision.
• Reduced quality of life due to discomfort and visual challenges.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Use of a humidifier to add moisture to the air.
• Taking breaks during tasks that require concentration, like reading or computer work.
• Wearing sunglasses or other protective eyewear to block wind and dry air.
• Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Quitting smoking and avoiding smoke-filled environments.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent symptoms despite over-the-counter treatments.
• Changes in vision such as blurriness or difficulty seeing.
• Red eyes or pain in the eyes that doesn't go away with treatment.
• Discharge from the eyes or other signs of infection.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Ophthalmology: aao.org
• National Eye Institute: nei.nih.gov
• Dry Eye Zone - A support community for people with dry eye: dryeyezone.com

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm the diagnosis of dry eye syndrome without specifying the lacrimal gland to use the accurate code H04.129.
• Be cautious about documentation specificity to avoid miscoding between lacrimal gland disorders and tear film insufficiency.
• Ensure to distinguish this condition from other types of conjunctivitis or ocular surface diseases.