Dry eye

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Dry Eye Syndrome

What is dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome is a condition affecting the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva due to either insufficient lacrimal fluid production or poor-quality tears. This results in inadequate lubrication of the eye surface, leading to:

  • Eye discomfort.
  • Vision problems.
  • Potential injuries to the cornea and conjunctiva.

What causes it?

Dry eye occurs when the lacrimal gland does not secrete enough fluid to keep the eye lubricated.

Common Causes:

  • Decreased secretion due to age: Aging leads to atrophy of the cells producing lacrimal fluid.
  • Hormonal changes in women: Pregnancy, oral contraceptive use, and menopause.
  • Environmental factors:
    • Wind, air conditioners, heaters, etc., that cause significant evaporation.
  • Prolonged reading: Reduces blinking, leading to inadequate tear distribution and evaporation.
  • Systemic diseases:
    • Sjögren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, etc.
  • Use of contact lenses.
  • Certain ophthalmic surgeries.
  • Diseases that scar the eye surface: Severe viral conjunctivitis, for example.

How can it be prevented?

Dry eye can lead to serious consequences, such as keratitis, scarring, vision loss, and corneal ulcers. Early detection and treatment are crucial, particularly for elderly individuals and women experiencing hormonal changes.

Preventive Measures:

  1. Protect against evaporation:

    • Avoid direct air currents (e.g., electric fans directed at the face, driving with open windows).
    • Wear protective sunglasses outdoors.

  2. Maintain a humid environment:

    • Use humidifiers to prevent dry atmospheres.

  3. Minimize environmental exposure:

    • Avoid polluted areas, windy days at the beach or countryside, and exposure to dust, smoke, and solvents.

  4. Improve blinking habits:

    • Blink consciously throughout the day.
    • Gently clean tear glands with a towel or makeup removal sponge.

Symptoms

Dry eye syndrome can cause:

  • Irritation and itching.
  • Redness.
  • Sensation of a foreign body or grit in the eye.
  • Fatigue and heavy eyelids.
  • Watery eyes (paradoxical excessive tearing due to poor lubrication).

Although the eyes may appear to "flood," the tears produced lack nutrients and protective factors.

Associated Treatments

  1. Artificial Tears and Lubricating Ointments:

    • Help to control dryness and irritation when the underlying cause cannot be directly treated.

  2. Conservation of Lacrimal Fluid:

    • Blocking the tear ducts with small plugs prevents rapid tear drainage, conserving moisture and protecting the eye.

  3. Additional Treatments for Severe Cases:

    • Severe dry eye may require advanced therapeutic interventions tailored to the patient’s specific condition.