How is dry eye syndrome considered to be improved?

Nov 19, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
In general, determining whether dry eye syndrome has improved requires combining subjective feelings with objective examinations. Key criteria include the disappearance of subjective symptoms, normalization of tear parameters, improvement in ocular surface status, increased tolerance for visual tasks, and stable response to treatment. Even after improvement, it is important to maintain good eye-use habits, avoid prolonged screen viewing, and pay attention to indoor humidity control.

In general, determining whether dry eye syndrome has improved requires combining subjective feelings with objective examinations. The key criteria include the disappearance of subjective symptoms, normalization of tear film indicators, improvement in ocular surface condition, increased tolerance for visual tasks, and stable response to treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Disappearance of subjective symptoms: Typical symptoms of dry eye—such as dryness, foreign body sensation, burning, photophobia, and blurred vision—are completely resolved. Eye discomfort that previously occurred during prolonged screen use or in air-conditioned environments no longer appears. Even after staying up late or wearing contact lenses, the eyes remain comfortable.

2. Normalization of tear film indicators: Professional ophthalmic tests show that tear secretion has returned to the normal range of 10–15 mm/5 minutes, and tear film breakup time (TBUT) has extended to more than 10 seconds. Tear ferning tests indicate good mucous elasticity, suggesting adequate tear quality that effectively covers and protects the ocular surface, preventing dryness and damage.

3. Improvement in ocular surface status: Slit-lamp examination reveals an intact corneal epithelium without punctate erosions or fluorescein staining. Conjunctival hyperemia and edema have subsided, returning to a normal pale pink appearance. The ocular surface mucosal barrier function has been restored, eliminating redness, swelling, or pain in response to minor irritants.

4. Increased tolerance for visual tasks: Previously, near-work tasks could not be sustained beyond 30 minutes; now, patients can comfortably engage in such activities for 1–2 hours without discomfort. When outdoors, exposure to wind, sand, or bright light no longer triggers significant dryness or tearing. Daily visual activities are no longer restricted.

5. Stable treatment response: Symptoms do not recur after reducing or discontinuing artificial tears, gels, or other treatments. For patients who received physical therapies such as meibomian gland expression or intense pulsed light (IPL), meibomian gland function remains normal after completing the treatment course, with smooth secretion and oil discharge.

Even after improvement, it is essential to maintain healthy eye habits, avoid prolonged screen staring, and regulate indoor humidity. Regular eye check-ups help detect and address issues early, effectively reducing the risk of recurrence and maintaining long-term ocular comfort.

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