Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common eye disease that affects millions of people worldwide and occurs when the eyes are unable to produce enough tears. or when the tears evaporate very quickly. Dry eye may develop in one or both eyes and lead to infection. Dry eye syndrome can occur at any age and in people who are otherwise healthy. However, it is more common in older age when the eye produces less tears and also in women than men. In addition, dry eyes occur more often in areas where malnutrition causes vitamin A deficiency.

Causes of dry eye syndrome:

There are several factors involved in the creation of dry eye syndrome. They are:

1. Decrease in tear production: Increased age, hormonal changes (such as menopause), some medications and medical conditions such as Schogren Syndrome can reduce tear production and lead to dryness.
2. Increased tear evaporation: Environmental factors such as dry or windy weather, over-the-screen look, and long-term use of contact lenses can cause rapid evaporation of tears and consequently dry eye.
3. Menegumin Disorders Disorders: The disorder of the gland dysfunction in the eyelids responsible for the production of tear oil can lead to inadequate lubrication and help with dry eye symptoms.
4. Systemic conditions: Diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disorders can affect the quality of the tear layer and disrupt the production of natural tears.

Common symptoms of dry eye syndrome:

People with dry eye syndrome may experience the following symptoms:

1. Persistent dryness and discomfort: Itchy, gritty, or burning sensation in the eyes is a common complaint.
2. Redness and burning: The eyes may appear red, bloodshot or swollen due to inflammation caused by insufficient oil.
3. Excessive tear production: Paradoxically, the eyes may produce excess tears in response to underlying dryness as a protective mechanism.
4. Blurred vision: Vision may become intermittently blurred and affect activities such as reading or driving.
5. Sensitivity to light: Bright lights or sunlight can aggravate the symptoms of dry eyes and cause increased discomfort.
6. Eye strain or eye strain: Prolonged vision tasks such as computer work or reading can lead to eye strain and worsen symptoms.

Dry eye diagnosis:

A comprehensive eye examination that includes a complete history of your overall health and eye health can help diagnose the causes of dry eyes. The doctor may also measure tear production using the Schirmer test. In this test, paper blast strips are placed under the lower eyelids. After five minutes, the doctor will measure how much of the strip has been wetted by your tears.

Treatment options for dry eye syndrome:

1. Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops provide temporary relief by supplementing the natural tear film and reducing dryness and discomfort. Artificial tears without preservatives are preferred for people with sensitive eyes.
2. Prescription medications: Depending on the underlying cause of dry eye syndrome, your ophthalmologist may prescribe medications such as cyclosporine (Restasis) or lifitgrast (Xiidra) to increase tear production and reduce inflammation.
3. Lipid-based tears: For patients with meibomian gland dysfunction, the use of lipid-based artificial tears or warm compresses can help improve the quality of tears and reduce symptoms. 4. Environmental modifications: Environmental factors that contribute to dry eye, such as air conditioning, fans, or exposure to dry air, should be addressed. Using a humidifier in dry indoor environments can increase humidity levels and reduce symptoms.
4. Lifestyle changes: Eye hygiene, regular rest during hard work and frequent blinking can help reduce eye pressure and improve tear distribution.
5. Perforated plugs: In certain cases, inserting small plugs into the tear duct can help keep tears on the surface of the eye, prevent rapid drainage, and provide long-lasting relief.
6. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy: This emerging treatment uses low-energy pulses of light to stimulate the production of healthy oils in the meibomian glands, thereby improving tear quality and relieving dry eye symptoms.
7. Surgery: In severe cases of dry eye syndrome that does not respond to other treatments, surgical options such as cautery or tarsorrhaphy (partial eyelid closure) may be considered.

Conclusion:

Dry eye syndrome can significantly affect people’s quality of life and cause discomfort and vision disorders. However, with the right diagnosis and treatment approach, relief can be achieved. A consultation with an eye care professional is very important for an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan.