Dry eye syndrome – causes, symptoms, treatment

Dry eye syndrome, also known as dry eye syndrome or dry cornea, is a common eye condition that affects an increasing number of people around the world. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and various treatments for this condition, as well as provide suggestions and recommended articles on the topic.

Causes of dry eye syndrome

The causes of dry eye syndrome can be various. One of the main risk factors is age. As we age, the tear glands produce fewer tears, which can lead to dry eyes. Other factors that may contribute to the occurrence of this condition include:

• Working at the computer for long periods of time, which leads to less blinking and reduces tear production.
• Cigarette smoking, which negatively affects the quality of tears.
• Autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis, which may affect tear production.
• Low humidity environments, air conditioning, central heating and wind can accelerate tear evaporation and cause dry eyes.
• Irregularities in the structure of the eyelids or abnormal shape of the cornea.
• Certain medicines, such as antihistamines or blood pressure medicines.

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome

Symptoms of dry eye syndrome can be bothersome and negatively affect the quality of life. The most common symptoms include:

• Dry and burning eyes.
• Eye itching.
• Eye irritation.
• Sensation of sand or foreign body in the eye.
• Eye redness.
• Frequent tearing (in response to dry eyes).
• Tired eyes, especially when reading or working at a computer.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is worth consulting an ophthalmologist who can help diagnose and treat dry eye syndrome.

Diagnosis of dry eye syndrome

Diagnosing dry eye syndrome is crucial for effective treatment. The ophthalmologist performs a thorough eye examination, including assessing tear production and assessing tear quality. He or she may also perform special tests, such as the Schirmer test, which measures the amount of tears produced over a specific period of time. Additionally, examination of the cornea may reveal possible damage or irregularities in its structure.

Dry eye treatment

Treatment for dry eye syndrome depends on the causes and severity of symptoms. There are many methods that can help patients alleviate their symptoms. The most important of them are:

• Artificial tears – available over the counter, help moisturize the eyes.
• Anti-inflammatory medications – may be prescribed for eye inflammation.
• Drugs that stimulate tear production – indicated in case of low tear production.
• Changing your lifestyle – avoiding looking at the computer screen for long periods of time, protecting your eyes from wind and dry air.
• Heat therapy – warm compresses can help unclog the tear glands.

In some cases, surgical intervention or invasive procedures may be necessary, but these are usually the final solutions.

Your suggestions

If you are prone to symptoms of dry eye syndrome, it is worth following a few rules that may help alleviate the symptoms. Remember to blink regularly when working at a computer, avoid looking at your phone screen for long periods of time, avoid air conditioning on high settings and protect your eyes with sunglasses on sunny days. Also try to maintain appropriate humidity in the rooms you stay in.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about dry eye syndrome, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “How to take care of eye health in the digital age?” – This article contains many useful tips on how to protect your eyes from the effects of prolonged use of electronic devices.
• “Diet and eye health” – Find out what foods can affect eye health and what nutrients are necessary to maintain good vision.
• “Visual Disorders in the Elderly” – This article discusses various vision problems that older adults face, including dry eye syndrome.

Dry eye syndrome can be bothersome, but with proper treatment and prevention, you can improve your quality of life and eye health. Don’t hesitate to consult an ophthalmologist if you experience symptoms of dry eye, as earlier diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the quality of your vision and overall comfort.