Dry eye syndrome » Causes and symptoms of dry eyes

There can be many causes of the origination of dry eyes syndrome. It is decreased productivity of the glands or their extinction as the result of diseases (for example autoimmune diseases). The quality of the tear film is influenced also by hormonal changes or the use of certain medications (for example some antialergics). This disease occurs rather often in women after their menopause.

Firstly, the problems begin inconspicuously but they worsen as the time goes by. The most frequently patients begin to complain about sore eyes, the feeling of strange body in the eye, sometimes itching and in advanced stages they feel also the pain or substantial photophobia. If only one layer is damaged then the patients can complain paradoxically about the increased intensity of lacrimation which can be explained by the increase in production of aqueous layer and at the same time the insufficient production of other two layers (mucous and lipid).

Computer, dusty or air-conditioned environment can worsen the problems.

Only a few of the causes of dry eyes syndrome can be possibly removed and thus the disease cured. The basis of treatment is therefore a substitution of natural tears for artificial ones. In dealing with mild problems we apply preparations 4-5 times a day which are offered in optics or drugstores in large quantities. There are also artificial tears in the form of gel or ointment. Other but more aggressive possibility of the treatment is surgery (the occlusion of tear spots) or possibly the local applying of the ciclosporin or antibiotic eye drops. The massages of the eyelids are appropriate as well.

The arrangement of working and domestic environment plays also an important role. It is useful to restrict the stay in air-conditioned, dusty spaces, those filled with smoke and if it is possible then minimize the working time on your computer or wearing of contact lenses.