DRY EYE SYNDROME

Normally, the surface of the eye (cornea) should be permanently moist.

Dry eye syndrome occurs more frequently in women, probably due to hormonal variations.

Symptoms:

In dry eye syndrome the tear film becomes thinner and less stable. Dry surfaces appear that no longer allow the eyelids to slide easily on the eye surface. The cornea, very rich in nerve endings, has a special sensitivity. Symptoms are mild in the early stages but worsen as the degree of dryness increases:

• Foreign body sensation: eyelashes or sand in the eyes
• Feeling of pressure: with headache
• Burning
• Sensitivity to light
• Wet eyes: dryness stimulates tear secretion
• Sensation of dryness
• Difficulty to open the eyes: heavy eyelashes, refraction of movement
• Blurred vision: like a veil over the eyes
• Inability to cry
• Redness: especially along the ciliary edge of the eyelids
• Secretions: sticky and itchy threads

Xerophthalmia cannot be cured, but there are a number of steps that should be followed in treating the condition. Treatment options should be discussed with an ophthalmologist.

Xerophthalmia treatment may include:

• eye drops and ointments. The use of ophthalmic eye drops is the basic treatment of dry keratoconjunctivitis. The same type of drops is not always effective for all patients, therefore sometimes it is necessary to try several products until the optimal treatment is discovered. If chronic xerosis is present, it is recommended to use the drops even in the absence of symptoms, in order to keep the eyes lubricated. If the eyes dry out during sleep, it is recommended to use a thick lubricant, such as ointment at night.
• temporary occlusion of the tear duct – sometimes it is necessary to close the ducts that drain the tears outside the eye. This is done through a painless procedure by which a swab that will dissolve quickly is inserted into the tear duct at the level of the lower eyelid. This is a temporary intervention, made to provide adequate supplementation of tears
• permanent occlusion of the tear duct – if the temporary occlusion of the tear duct is effective, then a silicone swab (dotted occlusion) can be used. Tampons will collect tears at the level of the eyes as long as they are placed in the tear duct, which can be replaced. Tampons rarely come out of the tear duct spontaneously or migrate along the tear duct. Many patients find that obstruction of the tear duct improves comfort and reduces the need to use Restasis eye drops – the prescription of Restasis ophthalmic eye drops for the treatment of chronic xerophthalmia was approved in 2002. It is currently the only type of ophthalmic eye drops recommended, which helps the eyes to increase the secretion of tears by continuous use of this medication.
• other medication options – other medications, such as topical steroids, may be beneficial in some cases
• surgical treatment – if necessary, the duct that drains tears into the nasal cavity can be permanently closed to allow tears remain in the eyeball. This is done with local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. It is not recommended to limit activities after this type of surgery.

Prevention

In addition to regular visits to the ophthalmologist and optician, as well as regular tests, a number of things can be done to prevent, calm or cure this syndrome:

• Exercise outdoors on a regular basis
• Drink at least 2 liters of water daily
• Include vitamins in your diet
• Make sure you get enough sleep
• Avoid direct face contact with air currents: in the car, plane, entertainment places
• Wear goggles for skiing, cycling and swimming
• Do not smoke and avoid a smoky atmosphere
• Avoid air conditioning
• Use humidifiers
• Keep contact lenses moist
• Work on the monitor in daylight but not directly in sunlight
• Use strong, but not blinding or halo-forming artificial light
• Avoid screen reflections
• Keep a distance of 50-70 cm from the screen
• Blink often and take short breaks often