Dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome appears due to a decrease in the production of tear fluid or changes in its composition. The reasons can be both external and internal. Often the symptom of a dry eye is abundant teardrop, in which the liquid does not reach the surface of the eyes, and they remain dry. Other symptoms of dry eye syndrome are redness, itching, burning, sensation of the film or foreign body in the eye area, photophobia, distorted foggy vision. For effective treatment of dry eye syndrome, it is necessary to establish the exact cause of the disease, and to find out which functions of the eye are violated.

Causes of dry eye syndrome:

• damage to the lacrimal gland;
• diseases of the eyelids, the consequence of which is a violation of the function of wetting the eye with a tear. For example, ectropion and entropion (turning the eyelids outward and inward), blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids);
• violation of the frequency of blinking due to overexertion (prolonged viewing of the TV or fatigue from the computer also creates the effect of dry eyes);
• the use of certain hormonal, hypnotics, diuretics, analgesics and contraceptive medications, antidepressants;
• age-related changes in the production of tear fluid;
• hormonal changes in postmenopausal women;
• internal diseases (scleroderma, lupus erythematosus, diabetes mellitus, neurological and endocrine diseases);
• Vitamin A deficiency;
• the influence of the external environment (dry climate, radiation);
• laser correction (in this case, dry eye syndrome appears temporarily);
• Also, dry eyes can cause contact lenses.

After identifying the cause, consult a doctor to determine what treatment for dry eye syndrome you need.

Diagnosis consists of several stages. Using a slit lamp, the sclera and the cornea are seen. Using special dyes, the presence of epithelial defects is determined. Next, study the secretion of tear fluid test Shirmer. Sometimes a blood test and a biopsy are performed.

Depending on the causes and complexity of the lesions, the method of treatment is chosen.

Treatment of dry eye syndrome

If the dryness of the eyes is a consequence of other diseases, then the treatment should be comprehensive. That is, while the underlying disease is being treated, medications or drops are prescribed for the treatment of dry eye syndrome.

Artificial tears are prescribed with a mild dry eye. Preferably use artificial tears without preservatives.

Surgical treatment of dry eye restores moisturizing of the eyes.

Do not self-medicate, especially if you have a chronic form of dry eye syndrome or serious internal diseases. Do not take drops that relieve fatigue, with dry eyes.

For the prevention of dry eye syndrome, you can use such a folk remedy - at night "cry" over the onions. Such procedures are especially useful for those who work is associated with high voltage for the eyes.

Also for the prevention of dry eye disease, do a special gymnastics - often blink, alternately focus your eyes on objects located at close and long distances, perform circular movements with your eyes, alternately look from the top to the bottom, from the left to the right. Do not overexert yourself, do exercises in a calm state.

If you sit at the computer for a long time, cover your eyes with palms every 15-20 minutes, for at least 30 seconds.

If dry eye symptoms appear, do not delay the visit to a specialist. If the disease has not developed into a chronic form, then it will not be difficult to cope with it.