Dry eyes
Dry eyes develop when tears fail to provide adequate moisture to the eyes There are many reasons for inadequate hydration For example, dry eyes develop when not enough tears are produced, or poor quality tears are produced
Dry eyes cause discomfort If you have dry eyes, you may experience a stinging or burning sensation Dry eyes can develop in several situations: while traveling by plane, in an air-conditioned room, while riding a bicycle, while staying in front of a computer screen for a long time.
Treatment for dry eyes may ease the discomfort Treatment includes lifestyle changes and eye drops In case of more severe conditions, sometimes surgical intervention is necessary
Dry eyes are caused by their improper hydration Tears are a complex mixture of water, fatty substances and mucus Tears ensure the cleanliness and smoothness of the surface of the eyes, it also protects the eyes from infections
In the case of some patients, the problem of dryness lies in the composition of the tears In other patients, the cause of dryness is insufficient tear production, resulting in insufficient lubrication of the eyes. Eyelid problems, certain medications, and other environmental factors also cause the condition
Problems of tear composition Tears consist of three main layers: fat, water and mucus. Each layer of problems can cause dry eye symptoms
Fat The outer layer of tears, produced in small glands at the edge of the eyelids, contains fatty substances called lipids. Fatty substances make the tear surface smooth and reduce the evaporation of the middle layer (water). If the sebaceous glands do not produce enough lipids, water evaporates quickly, causing dry eyes. Dry eyes are common in people with blocked sebaceous glands. Dysfunction of the glands also occurs in people who have inflammation along the eyelids (blepharitis). Dry eyes can be caused by rosacea and other skin diseases
Water The main component of the middle layer of tears is water and a small amount of salt This layer, produced by the tear glands, cleans the eyes and cleans them of foreign bodies. If your eyes don't produce enough water, the mucous and oil layers come into contact with each other, causing a viscous discharge to form.
Mucus The inner mucous layer helps to evenly distribute tears on the surface of the eyes If you don't have enough mucus, dry spots may appear on the front of the eye's surface (cornea).
Insufficient production of tears One of the causes of dry eyes is insufficient production of tears.
Insufficient tear production is seen in people who:
- Are over 50 years old Tear production decreases with age Dry eyes are common in patients over 50 years of age
- In postmenopausal women Insufficient tear production is common in women, especially after menopause The cause of the condition is partly related to hormonal changes
- In case of disease, when tear production decreases Dry eyes are associated with certain diseases: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, thyroid diseases and vitamin A deficiency.
- Transferred eye laser surgery Eye surgeries, such as topical laser keratomileusis, can cause insufficient tear production and dry eyes. Dry eye symptoms associated with the procedures are generally temporary
- Lacrimal gland damage Glands damaged by inflammation or radiation may no longer produce enough tears
Eyelid problems Blinking ensures constant redistribution of tears on the surface of the eyes. In the case of eyelid disease, when it is difficult to blink, there is not a proper distribution of tears on the surface of the eyes, or the tears evaporate quickly. Other eyelid diseases: inversion of the eyelids (ectropia), inversion of the eyelids (entropia)
Medications that cause dry eyes Medications that cause dry eyes:
- Treatments for high blood pressure
Symptoms, mostly in both eyes, may include:
- Pinging, burning or stinging in the eyes
- A viscous discharge around the eyes
- Increased eye irritation from pain or in windy weather
- Eye fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
The doctor will try to determine the cause of the discomfort in the eyes or refer you to the appropriate specialist
