Dry eye syndrome is a very common condition that, when correctly identified and treated, does not pose any risk to visual health. However, it is important to be aware of the symptoms to avoid complications and affect your quality of life.
Tears fulfill a much more important function than sliding down the cheeks in moments of sadness, or a laugh out loud. Tears are responsible for moisturizing the eyes and, with each blink, they provide a layer of protection to the ocular surface and cleanse it of polluting external agents.
When the production of tears in the eye decreases, generally due to factors associated with age, dryness, inflammation and discomfort occur. This situation is known as dry eye syndrome, or in scientific terms, keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Its symptoms include itching, burning, a gritty, pulling, or foreign body sensation in the eye, and sometimes sensitivity to light. In more advanced cases, acute pain, tension, eye strain and blurred vision may be experienced.
The sensation of dry eye can also occur sporadically, for example, when traveling by plane or spending too much time indoors and air-conditioned. Dry eye can affect those who play sports without the use of eye protection, for example, cyclists who do not wear wind and speed blocking glasses. Finally, people who, due to their work, must spend several hours in front of computer screens, often suffer from dry eye.
Dry eyes are the result of a variety of causes that disrupt the healthy tear film. The tear film has three layers: lipid, aqueous, and mucin. This combination allows the eyes to remain lubricated. In the event that one of these layers suffers from a problem, the most likely result is dry eye syndrome.
Age makes us prone to dry eye.
Dry eye syndrome occurs as a more frequent or chronic condition with age-related hormonal changes that reduce tear production. Dry eye can sometimes be caused or worsened by a condition called meibomianitis, which changes the normal tear film. Other causes to which the presence of dry eye is attributed are related to pathologies such as Sjögren's syndrome, allergic eye diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, vitamin A deficiency, among others. Likewise, periodically using antihistamine, decongestant, antidepressant or hormonal medications can contribute to a decrease in tear secretion. When it recurs, it is common for small lesions to appear on the surface of the eyes, in advanced cases,
Other complications associated with dry eye are related to the risk of ocular infections, since tears protect the surface of the eyes against the harmful effects of pollution. Additionally, the presence of this syndrome affects people's quality of life, as it limits their daily activities that they normally enjoy, such as reading, writing, cooking, or even watching television.
Dry eye is a condition that can be resolved.
There are different treatments to combat dry eye syndrome. In most cases, drops that increase tear production are recommended, but do not self-prescribe, go to our specialists to determine which is the best option in your case. Our ophthalmologists in Medellín at the Sandiego Ophthalmology Clinic can guide you.
Artificial tears: drops that increase moisture in the eyes are the first recommendation for dry eye syndrome. However, they are a temporary solution. Seek an ophthalmology specialist if the situation does not improve.
Punctal plugs: An ophthalmologist can implant plugs to block the puncture holes at the corners of your eyes, thus preventing dryness. This is a reversible procedure although in some cases, depending on the severity, it can be applied as a permanent solution. You should always consult a professional to identify if this is the best option for you. Click here to request an appointment with one of our specialists.
Medications: The most common medical component for dry eye syndrome is an anti-inflammatory called cyclosporine that increases the amount of tears produced by the eye. For more severe cases, the specialist may order corticosteroid drops for a while. When the presence of dry eye is derived from the use of other medications, the specialist can determine to substitute one of them.
Surgery: This is a simple intervention that produces a kind of permanent blockage in the tear ducts to allow the eyes to maintain an adequate amount of tears. The ophthalmologist will determine through some simple tests if the surgical route is the most convenient.
If you suffer from any of the symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome, be sure to consult with one of our specialists. At the Sandiego Ophthalmology Clinic we have a unit specialized in the treatment of dry eye, in which, with the best technology, we offer comprehensive care for the visual health of you and your family. Vision problems are our priority and we want to guide all the decisions you make when it comes to eye care.
