Types, causes, symptoms and remedies for dry eyes

 

Dry eye is the condition that occurs when the eye does not produce enough tears, or when the tears are not of the correct composition and evaporate too quickly.

In addition to this condition, inflammation of the surface of the eye can occur along with the symptom of dry eyes. When you do not treat this condition, it can lead to pain, ulcers or scars on the cornea, and also to loss of vision. On the other hand, loss of vision due to dry eyes is fortunately a rare condition.

Dry eyes can make it difficult to perform certain activities, such as using a computer or reading for a long period. And it can also reduce your tolerance for a dry environment, such as the air in an airplane.

Other names for dry eyes are dry eye syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), dysfunctional tear syndrome, lacrimal keratoconjunctivitis, less frequent and evaporation of tears (evaporative dry eye), and so-called LASIK-induced neurotrophic epitheliopathy.

What are the different types of dry eyes?

1. The so-called 'aqueous tear deficient dry eye' is a disorder in which the lacrimal glands do not produce enough of the watery component of tears to keep the surface of the eye healthy.

2. Evaporative dry eye can result from inflammation of the meibomian glands, which are also located in the eyelids. These glands produce the lipid or oily part of tears that slows evaporation and keeps tears stable.

Dry eyes can also be associated with:

• inflammation of the surface of the eye, the lacrimal gland or conjunctiva
• any disease or process that affects the components of tears
• an outgrowth on the eye surface, such as thyroid disease where the eye is pushed forward
• cosmetic surgery, when the eyelids are too wide when opened

Frequently asked questions about dry eye syndrome

What is the cornea?

This is the clear outer part of the surface that covers the eye in front of the iris, i.e. the colored part of the eye. The cornea helps protect the rest of the eye from dust and many other harmful influences that can affect vision and eye health.

The cornea bends the light that enters the eye, or refracts it, and accounts for most of the eye's total focusing power. The cornea also serves as a filter to block most of the harmful ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths from sunlight.

The cornea is a well-organized, clear structure consisting of a group of cells and proteins that are precisely layered. There are no blood vessels in the cornea to nourish it or protect it from infection.

Instead, the cornea receives its nourishment from the tears and the watery fluid (aqueous humor) that fill the chamber behind it.

 

What are tears and how do they relate to dry eye syndrome?

Tears, made by the lacrimal gland, are necessary for overall eye health and clear vision. Tears bathe the surface of the eye, keep it moist, and wash away all traces of dust and debris from the eye. They also help protect the eye against bacterial and other types of infection.

Tears are composed of three main components: firstly, an outer, oily lipid layer produced by the meibomian glands, in the middle a watery, lacrimal layer produced by the lacrimal glands, and finally an inner, mucous or mucus layer produced by the goblet cells found in a thin transparent layer located over the white part of the eye and covering the inner surface of the eyelids.

Tears are made of proteins (including growth factors), electrolytes and vitamins that are critical to maintaining the health of the surface of the eye and preventing infection.

The body constantly produces tears to bathe, nourish and protect the surface of the eye. They are also produced in response to emergencies, such as the presence of a substance in the eyes, an infection or irritation of the eyes, or in response to a severe emotion. When the lacrimal glands are unable to produce enough tears, dry eye syndrome can result.

Any disease or process that changes the composition of the tears can make them unhealthy and result in dry eyes.

What are the symptoms of dry eyes?

Symptoms of dry eyes may include:

• stinging or burning sensation in the eye
• a sandy or gritty feeling as if something is in the eye
• periods of excessive tearing followed by periods of very dry eyes
• a stringy discharge in the eyes
• pain and redness in the eye
• periods of blurred vision
• heavy eyelids
• not being able to cry when you are under emotional stress
• uncomfortable contact lenses
• a reduced tolerance when reading, working at the computer, or any activity that requires prolonged visual attention
• eye fatigue

 

Important note: if the symptoms of dry eyes persist, it is best to seek professional help to get the correct diagnosis of the condition and to start the associated treatment to prevent permanent damage.

What are the causes of dry eyes?

Dry eyes can be a temporary or chronic condition:

• dry eyes can be a side effect of certain medications, including anthistamines, nasal decongestants, tranquilizers, certain blood pressure medications, medication for Parkinson's disease, birth control pills, and some antidepressants
• a skin disease on or around the eyelids can also result in dry eyes
• diseases of the glands in the eyelids, such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, can also lead to dry eyes
• dry eyes can occur in women who are pregnant
• women undergoing hormone replacement therapy may also experience symptoms of dry eyes. Women who take estrogen alone are 70% more likely to experience dry eyes, while those who take both estrogen and progesterone are 30% less likely to develop dry eyes
• dry eyes can also develop after refractive surgery known as LASIK. These symptoms will usually last 3 to 6 months, but in some cases it can be a lot longer.
• dry eyes can also result from chemical and thermal burns that leave a scar on the membrane that lines the eyelids and covers the eye.
• allergies can also be associated with dry eyes
• insufficient blinking, which is often associated with prolonged staring at computer or video screens, can also lead to certain symptoms of dry eyes
• both excessive or insufficient doses of vitamins can also contribute to dry eyes
• some homeopathic interventions can have an opposite impact
• loss of sensation in the cornea from wearing lenses in the long term can also lead to dry eyes
• dry eyes can also be associated with disorders of the body's immune system such as Sjögren's disease, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. This disease leads to inflammation and a feeling of dryness in the mouth, eyes, and other mucous membranes. It can also affect other organs, including the kidneys, lungs, and blood vessels.
• dry eyes can also be a symptom of chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the front of the eye, or the lacrimal gland. Chronic conjunctivitis can be caused by certain eye diseases, an infection, exposure to external harmful factors such as chemical smoke, tobacco smoke, or air currents from air conditioning or heating.
• if the surface of the eye is increased, such as in thyroid disease where the eye is pushed forward or after a cosmetic procedure when the eyelids are too wide open, dry eye syndrome can result.
• dry eyes can also result from exposure to keratitis, in which the eyelids are not completely closed during sleep.

Who is more likely to suffer from dry eyes?

Older people are more likely to suffer from dry eyes, but dry eyes can occur at any age. Approximately 5 million Americans age 50 and older are believed to suffer from dry eyes.

This group includes more than 3 million women and more than one and a half million men. Tens of millions of Americans now suffer from less severe symptoms of dry eyes.

Dry eyes are more common after menopause. Women in menopause are more likely to experience damage to the eye surface due to dry eyes.

How are dry eyes treated?

Depending on the causes of dry eyes, your doctor may suggest several approaches to relieve the symptoms and also solve the problem. Dry eyes can be treated as an ongoing condition.

The doctor's first priority is to determine whether a disease is the underlying cause of the dry eyes, and we have already described a number of these diseases above. If this is the case, the underlying disease must be treated first in order to solve the problem of dry eyes.

Cyclosporine, a type of medication that fights inflammation, is the only prescription drug currently available to treat dry eyes.

It reduces damage to the cornea, increases basic tear production, and also reduces the symptoms of dry eyes. It may take 3 to 6 months with a dose of twice a day of the medicine to work effectively. In some cases of severe dry eyes, short-term use of corticosteroid eye drops is necessary to reduce inflammation and temporarily eliminate it completely.

If dry eyes are the result of taking medication, your doctor may recommend switching to a medication that does not cause dry eye effects.

If wearing contact lenses is the problem causing dry eyes, your eye specialist may advise you to wear a different type of lens or to reduce the number of hours you have your lenses in your eyes. In the case of a severe attack of dry eyes, your eye specialist may even advise you not to wear contact lenses at all.

Another option is to insert a plug into the drainage holes of the eye. This involves placing small circular openings in the inner corners of the eyelids where tears run from the eye into the nose. Lacrimal plugs, also called punctual plugs, can be inserted painlessly by an eye specialist.

The patient usually does not feel them. These plugs are made of silicone or collagen, they are reversible and they have a temporary size. In severe cases, permanent plugs may be considered by the specialist.

In certain cases, the specialist will recommend a simple procedure to permanently close these drainage holes. This procedure is intended to maintain and increase the limited amount of tears in the eye for a longer period of time.

In some patients with dry eyes, supplements or nutrients, such as tuna or omega 3 fatty acids (and in particular DHA and EPA) can help reduce the symptoms of irritation. The use and dosage of nutritional supplements and vitamins should be discussed with your own doctor and you should not simply take these products on your own.

Read also -> What remedies and treatments are there to combat dry eyes?

What can I do to help myself?

1. Use artificial tears, a gel, gel-based products and an ointment as a first form of therapy when you are struggling with dry eyes.

These solutions often provide temporary relief and provide an important replacement for naturally produced tears in patients who suffer from difficult tear production. Avoid artificial tears with preservatives if you need to apply them more than four times a day and preparations with chemicals that affect the contraction of blood vessels.

2. Wearing glasses or sunglasses that fit closely to the face or that have side flaps can contribute to slow evaporation of tears from the surface of the eye.

At home, an air purifier that filters dust and other particles from the air can help prevent dry eyes. A humidifier can also help add extra moisture to the air.

3. Avoid dry conditions and allow your eyes to rest sufficiently when performing activities that require the use of your eyes for a long period of time. Eye drops to moisten your eyes can help with these tasks.