Dry eye syndrome

Human eyeball is covered with fine lacrimal film. It protects it from drying out and penetrationpathogenic microbes, nourishes the cornea and performs lubrication functions during eyeball movements. Around the eye are the lacrimal glands. In them, tears are formed, which are distributed over the surface of the eye with blinking. When a person reads or works at a computer, he blinks more often than usual about three times. In this case, the tear film dries up, and dry eye syndrome occurs.

Dry eye syndrome: causes

What are the causes of dry eye syndrome? First of all it is:

• tobacco smoke;


• air conditioning in the room (dry air conditioning);


• climatic conditions (dryness, heat, strong wind, high altitude conditions);


• age (aging);


• use of contact lenses (especially soft);


• use of a number of drugs (antidepressants, tranquilizers, antihistamines, hormonal contraceptives and drugs that lower blood pressure);


• Vitamin A deficiency;


• some diseases (thyroid problems, Sjogren's and Parkinson's diseases, eyelid and lacrimal gland diseases);


• hormonal changes during menopause in women;


• work at the computer;


• smog, polluted atmosphere;


• rigid diets.

Most of these reasons are related either to moisture deficit (both in the body and in the environment) or with deficit of fat. The fact is that fatty acids stimulate the production of tears. In addition, fat slows the evaporation of the tear film. Therefore, a deficit of fat (age or associated with diet) causes dry eye syndrome.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Symptoms

What kind symptoms accompany dry eye syndrome? First of all, this constant burning and itching in the eyes, irritation and redness of the eyes. There is a feeling that people call "sand in the eyes", and there is a desire to rub your eyes constantly.

However, dry eye syndrome may be accompanied by increased lacrimation. The body tries to fight the dryness of the eyes, producing more tears. However, their lubricating properties are not sufficient to eliminate dryness and irritation.

If you feel discomfort after reading, watching TV and working on a computer for a long time - most likely, you have a dry eye syndrome. There may be photophobia and temporary visual disturbances. After blinking, vision is usually restored. In the corners of the eye may appear viscous mucus, decreased ability to work.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Treatment and Prevention

The dry eye syndrome can be diagnosed by an ophthalmologist after special tests. Treatment of dry eye syndrome is primarily a preservation of the natural moisture of the eye and additional moisturizing. For temporary relief and withdrawal of symptoms use special eye drops (artificial tear) of different consistency. The thicker the droplets, the longer they remain on the surface of the eye. It is best to use an artificial tear without preservatives - it is more effective and does not cause irritation. Drops to relieve redness of the eyes can not be used - they only exacerbate the problem. If the case is neglected - prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs.

To keep the tears inside the body and thus keep the eyes moist, tear ducts are plugged with special tampons stopping lacrimation. Temporary tampons are made from soluble collagen, permanent - from silicone. Also, an ophthalmologist can appoint special glasses or contact lenses, also serving to retain moisture.

To maintain a sufficient amount of moisture, drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Even slight dehydration can lead to dry eye syndrome. In no case can you rub eyes - irritation only worsen. While working at the computer, take a break for several minutes every hour, taking him to the gymnastics of the eyes. Close your eyes and rotate them, it will help fight fatigue and dry eyes. If possible, try to reduce the time of watching TV or working on a computer.

Syndrome of dry eyes can lead to moreserious vision problems that require radical treatment measures right up to surgical intervention. Therefore, it is very important to diagnose and cure dry eye syndrome in time, and even better - prevent it from appearing.