Treatment of dry eye syndrome
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a condition characterised by disturbances in the amount and composition of the different layers of the tear film. This causes the surface of the eyeball to dry out, resulting in unpleasant symptoms, such as a feeling of gritty eyes or blurred vision. In addition, there is a burning sensation, which significantly reduces the quality of life.
What are tears?
Tears are a multi-component fluid, very important for maintaining a healthy eye surface and proper vision. The tear film (the thin layer of tears on the eye) consists of three layers: aqueous, mucous and lipid. Deficiency of the aqueous layer or lipid layer leads not only to great discomfort, but also to poorer vision.
Tear functions:
- moisturising
- cleansing
- anti-inflammatory
- optical
What are the causes of dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome can be caused by excessive tear evaporation or reduced tear production by the lacrimal glands. External factors, such as prolonged work at a computer screen (screen time), being in dry and air-conditioned rooms or smoking play an important role. The occurrence of dry eye syndrome can also be influenced by hormonal disorders (e.g. hypothyroidism, menopause), autoimmune diseases or medication.
Some causes of dry eye syndrome:
- Meibomian gland dysfunction
- working in front of a screen for long periods of time
- other eye diseases, e.g., blepharitis
- air-conditioned rooms
- heating season (dry indoor air, closed windows)
- hormonal disorders
- autoimmune diseases
- taking certain medications
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome:
- a feeling of a foreign body under the eyelids (gritty eyes)
- dryness
- burning
- hypersensitivity to light
- feeling of eye fatigue
- redness of the eyes
- tearing
Caution: excessive eye tearing can be a symptom of dry eye syndrome!
Do I have dry eye syndrome?
To answer this question, you should visit an ophthalmologist. Information on chronic diseases and medications taken on a regular basis can be helpful.
Medications that may contribute to dry eye syndrome:
- hormonal
- antihistamines
- antidepressants
- anti-acne
Diagnostic visit at SPEKTRUM in 3 steps:
- Make an appointment in person at the registration desk or by telephone at the telephone number 71 701 10 10.
- During the visit, provide the ophthalmologist with information about the complaints you have, their frequency and any medication you are taking.
- After disclosing your medical history, undergo tests ordered by the doctor.
When to go for a diagnostic visit with dry eye syndrome?
Burning, scratching and a feeling of dryness are the characteristic symptoms of dry eye syndrome. During the visit, the ophthalmologist takes a detailed history of the patient and examines the surface of the eye under a slit lamp. Then, he informs the patient about the appropriate form of treatment, e.g., pharmacological or using IPL technology.
Pharmacological treatment of dry eye syndrome:
- drops of the “artificial tears” type
- ointments, gels
Treatment of dry eye syndrome with the IPL method
This is a safe and effective intense light therapy. It is performed in several sessions; the final number of treatments is decided by the doctor.
How to prevent dry eye syndrome?
- limit work with a computer monitor
- avoid air-conditioned rooms
- ensure a healthy, sufficiently long sleep
Find out more!
Need further information? Do you have questions? Feel free to contact us!
