WHAT ARE DRY EYES?Some people don't produce enough tears, or tears of poor quality, to keep their eyes properly lubricated. This results in burning and stinging eyes or mucus discharge. Sometimes this leads to an excess of tears. However, these tears are not of the right composition, preventing a proper tear film from forming on the eye, leaving the eye vulnerable to dehydration.WHAT IS A TEAR FILM?The main function of tear fluid is to keep the eye moist. With each blink, approximately every 20 to 30 seconds, tear fluid is evenly distributed over the eye in a thin layer. This thin layer is called the "tear film" and serves to keep the eye smooth and protect it from the outside air.
This tear film is composed of three components: an oily layer, a watery layer, and a mucous layer.
The oily outer layer of the tear film is produced by small glands in the eyelids, the meibomian glands. Its function is to prevent tear fluid from evaporating too quickly. The watery middle layer is produced by the lacrimal gland located in the conjunctiva, which covers the white of the eye. This watery layer's function is to wash the eye clean of dirt and dust. The mucous inner layer of the tear film comes from small glands in the conjunctiva and ensures that the watery layer spreads evenly over the eye and adheres properly.WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF DRY EYES?Dry eyes are defined as tears produced insufficiently in quantity or composition to fulfill their protective function for the eye. Dry eyes can have many causes. An ophthalmologist is required to determine the cause.
Certain diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, are associated with dry eyes. Sometimes it also occurs as a side effect of certain medications. It's also possible that one of the layers of the tear film is missing due to abnormalities in the eyelids or conjunctiva.
Other causes include insufficient or poor blinking, which prevents the tear film from being evenly distributed across the eye. An ophthalmologist can usually identify the cause of dry eyes and provide appropriate treatment.TREATMENTTreatment is usually not easy, as it's often not possible to eliminate the cause of dry eyes. If the problem is caused by eyelid inflammation, this is treated first. If the tear gland or the conjunctiva of the eye is irreparably damaged by disease, it's important to try to reduce the irritation as much as possible.
This can be done by either adding artificial tears or by retaining the existing tear fluid for as long as possible. The former is achieved using "artificial tears" or a gel that supplements the patient's own tears.
Retaining the existing tear fluid for as long as possible can be achieved in various ways. Special protective glasses can be worn to prevent evaporation, or the tear duct can be temporarily or permanently closed.WHAT CAN YOU DO YOURSELF?If you've noticed that your symptoms worsen under certain circumstances, try to change these circumstances. You can prevent tear fluid from evaporating too quickly by improving the humidity in your home. You can do this by using water bowls attached to the heater or by purchasing a humidifier.
Outdoors, special (cycling) glasses with closed sides can prevent your eyes from drying out too much in the wind.
Avoid things that cause additional dryness or irritation, such as hair dryers, fans, or smoke.
Wearing contact lenses can also cause significant problems with dry eyes.
Regularly using eye drops and having your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist can prevent complications.
Some people sleep with their eyes half open, and it's important to report this to the ophthalmologist who is examining you for your complaint.FINALLYThis brochure briefly explains what might be happening if you suffer from dry eyes. For further questions, it's best to contact your ophthalmologist. |
