Under the current conditions of work and life, many different factors, not always positive, affect the eyes. For this reason, questions such as dryness, eyes, causes and treatment are becoming more and more relevant, can vision fall in this condition or not? In order to give a complete answer, you need to consider the essence of the problem.

Why do eyes get dry

Such a topic as "Dry eyes: causes and treatment" concerns many ordinary people. Often the cause of such manifestations is a pathological condition called "xerophthalmia". The essence of this problem comes down to insufficient hydration of the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eyes due to a lack of tear fluid and instability of the tear film.

This film covers the front of the eye. Its thickness is approximately 10 µm. The key task of this film is to protect the eye from environmental influences, the ingress of various small foreign bodies and dust, inclusive. Moreover, it is with her participation that the cornea is supplied with oxygen and nutrients, due to which a natural immune defense against infections is formed.

Tear film structure

When studying dry eyes, the causes and treatment of this disease, you should pay attention to the structure of the tear film, which consists of three layers:

The deepest is the mucin layer. It is produced by the conjunctiva. In addition, it is with this layer that the cornea is covered, due to which its surface is even and smooth. The main function of this layer is to retain the tear film itself on the corneal epithelium.

Water layer. It is produced by the lacrimal glands. This layer consists of dissolved electrolytes and biologically active substances. It supplies the epithelium of the conjunctiva and cornea with oxygen and nutrients. Moreover, thanks to the aqueous layer, metabolic waste, molecules carbon dioxide and epithelial cells that have died off.

Lipid layer. It is produced and covers the outside of the aqueous layer. Its key function is protection and glide. upper eyelid... It also prevents excessive heat transfer from the epithelium of the aqueous layer and its evaporation.

Within the framework of the topic: "Dry eyes: causes and treatment", you need to pay attention to the fact that every 10 seconds there is a tear film rupture, which stimulates blinking. As a consequence, an update occurs leading to the restoration of the film.

In one minute, about 15% of the entire tear film is renewed. In this case, evaporation of 8% occurs.

It can develop if the above-described breaks are multiple. Various factors lead to ruptures of this type: impaired secretion of mucins, lacrimal fluid and lipids, as well as very rapid evaporation of the film itself.

Causes of dry eye syndrome

There is various states, in which there is a decrease in the produced tear fluid. The most common are the following:

Endocrine disorders during menopause and premenopause. We are talking about a shortage of estrogen production.

Avitaminosis.

Severe neurological disorders, Parkinson's disease, kidney disease, pregnancy, inflammatory eye diseases and various disorders in the functioning of the organs of vision, severe exhaustion, infectious and skin diseases.

Autoimmune conditions (Sjogren's disease) and diseases connective tissue... In this case, it means an uncontrolled proliferation of connective tissue in the body, accompanied by blockage of the excretory ducts of the lacrimal glands. The ducts block fibrous foci, which leads to a violation of the full production of tear fluid. As a result, it is incorrectly distributed over the cornea.

Considering dry eyes, the causes and treatment of this disease, you need to pay attention to the negative effects of antiarrhythmic and antihypertensive drugs with their long-term use. This practice can result in decreased body fluid production or dehydration. As a result, the total volume of tears decreases and their viscosity increases. Use of eye ointments and drops that contain anticholinergics, beta-blockers and anesthetics.

Various conditions that result in the inability of the eye to close completely can also lead to dryness. For full hydration, the eyelids must close completely.

Usage contact lenses, unsuitable size or of poor quality.

Correctly fitted contact lenses do not contribute to the development of myopia, but can affect tissue changes ocular surface, which is often accompanied by discomfort and dry eye syndrome. A complex solution helps - the use of ophthalmic gel and eye drops.

Gel "Korneregel" helps to eliminate the causes of discomfort. It contains carbomer on a soft gel base, which retains full hydration, and dexpanthenol, which has a healing effect. When taking Korneregel, you should remove contact lenses or, using a gel for prophylaxis, apply it at the end of the day, at night.

Those who feel discomfort and dryness all day long should choose Artelac Balance drops, which combine a combination of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B12. Hyaluronic acid forms a moisturizing film on the surface of the eye. The moisturizing effect of hyaluronic acid is prolonged by a special protector. Vitamin B12 is an antioxidant that protects cells from free radical damage.

For those who experience discomfort occasionally and usually towards the end of the day, Artelak Splash drops, containing 0.24% hyaluronic acid, are suitable.

There are contraindications. It is necessary to read the instructions or consult a specialist.

Violation of the rest and sleep regimen, environmental factors can also play a negative role in the development of the dry eye symptom.

Dry eyes in the morning can be directly related to one or more of the factors mentioned above.

In general, the development of dry eye syndrome is more typical for people living in climates that require the use of air conditioning and heating systems. This is due to the fact that exposure to dry air causes the liquid to evaporate from the surface of the eyes.

Who is at risk

Considering dry eyes, the causes and treatment of this disease, it is important to determine who should be afraid of such a problem. First of all, such a disease can manifest itself in residents of megacities, since the level of air pollution has a direct impact on the incidence of dry eye syndrome.

Residents of highland areas may also face a similar problem. As for living conditions that can affect the condition of the eyes, they include long-term work at the computer. According to research, more than 70% of women and 60% of men who work in the office on a PC have problems with the function of the lacrimal glands.

The topic "Dry eyes - causes and treatment at the age of 50" is also relevant. , because women in this age group are faced with a decrease in the level of estrogen in the blood. This, in turn, leads to inadequate hydration of the eye.

Dry eye syndrome - symptoms

In most cases, the symptomatology of this problem is indistinct, but sometimes, due to the development of complications, quite noticeable disturbances in well-being can appear.

We are talking about the following signs of the disease:

Redness of the eyes;

Sticking eyelids in the morning;

Sensation of "gritty eyes" and dryness, which may increase during the day;

During blinking, the clarity of vision is lost.

If the eyes in this condition are exposed to heat or smoke, the severity of the symptoms can be much higher.

This disease also has more severe forms of manifestation:

Severe eye pain that is difficult to tolerate;

Deterioration of vision;

Increased sensitivity to light;

Significant redness of the eyes that does not go away for a long time.

In some cases, even corneal trauma is possible. Therefore, if such symptoms appear, you should consult a doctor.

Treatment methods

If dry eyes develop, the cause and treatment in children and adults should be ascertained by a qualified healthcare professional. Therefore, the diagnosis is initially carried out: cytology of a smear from the conjunctiva, analysis of the tear fluid, biomicroscopy, as well as the Norm and Schirmer tests (with their help, the rate of formation and subsequent evaporation of the tear fluid is determined).

After the cause of the development of the disease is determined, various methods of treatment can be used, from before surgery.

Within the framework of the topic "dry eyes, causes and treatment", drops deserve special attention, since they can be used to neutralize the problem at various levels of development.

Doctors often prescribe medications that restore a stable tear film to the surface of the eyes. If you have to deal with mild form syndrome, then drops are often used that have low level viscosity. If the patient has a moderate and severe form, then drops and gels of medium ("Lacrisin") and high viscosity ("Oftagel", "Vidisik", "Korneregel", "Lakropos") are prescribed.

It is worth noting that high viscosity gels turn into a liquid state during the blinking process. This allows you to ensure required level moisturizing the cornea.

Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents

Often, dry eyes cause inflammation. In this case, antibiotics and immunosuppressants may be prescribed. We are talking about such medicines as hormonal drops "Dexamethasone", "Oftan", "Maxidex" and drops with cyclosporine "Restasis".

Studying dry eyes, causes, treatment and effective impact on this problem in general, you need to pay attention to antibacterial agents. They are used to neutralize inflammatory diseases that often cause dry eyes. We are talking about ointments with tetracycline and erythromycin. They are prescribed, as a rule, in a course of 7-10 days. They are used before bedtime.

There are other methods for treating dry eyes effectively. Causes and treatment (reviews confirm this) often imply such effective method affecting the disease, like an implantable container that contains a tear replacement fluid. Install it in the lower eyelid.

Surgical effects

There are several types of minor surgeries that can affect dry eyes. With their successful implementation, the normal production and maintenance of the required amount of tear fluid is restored.

An example is occlusion lacrimal ducts that drain fluid from the eyes. If you block them, then the liquid will begin to accumulate on outer surface eyes, which leads to moisture. To block the ducts, plugs are used, which are removed if necessary. This procedure is not difficult, but at the same time it can significantly improve the patient's condition.

If after this operation the problem has not been resolved, cauterization of the tear ducts can be used.

Folk methods

There are several other methods worth mentioning when exploring dry eye causes and treatments. Folk remedies overcome many common diseases and this syndrome is no exception.

Several recipes can be cited as examples of this approach:

Chamomile decoction. It is necessary to brew chamomile. In the resulting broth, cotton pads are moistened and applied to the eyes for 10-20 minutes. It is advisable to do this while lying down.

Tea lotions. The same principle is used with the use of cotton pads, only ordinary tea is brewed, and strong.

Use of honey. This medicinal product dissolves in water and is applied in the form of compresses.

Overall, studying dry eyes, causes and treatments folk remedies of this disease, it is worth noting that it is important not to forget about an integrated approach to the recovery process.

Prevention

In order to prevent dry eyes or to consolidate the result of treatment, you need to follow a few simple principles:

Ensure that the humidity level in the house is approximately 30-50%;

In the cold season, use a humidifier;

Protect your eyes from direct air currents and especially strong winds;

Use sunglasses.

conclusions

It is obvious that dry eyes can be the result of exposure to a whole group of different factors. For this reason, both before and after treatment, it is important to ensure that the cause of the development of the problem does not continue to negatively affect the lining of the eye.

Dry eye syndrome is a complex disease based on impaired hydration of the cornea, which causes it to dry out and malfunction.

At the same time, the quality or quantity of the tear fluid, which forms a tear film on the surface of the conjunctiva, which performs a protective function, decreases.

Dry eye syndrome is considered a disease of civilization, since progress is greatly influenced by its appearance: air conditioners, computers, televisions, etc.

Also, the high prevalence of this disease is due to environmental pollution and the use of some unsuitable medical and cosmetic products.

Causes of occurrence

This syndrome can develop as a separate disease, and sometimes it can be the result of a disease. Despite the underlying cause of dry eye syndrome, care must be taken to prevent and treat it, otherwise it can lead to decreased or loss of vision.

There are many reasons for the appearance and development of dry eye syndrome, but you need to know them to prevent and prevent the disease:

• deformation of the surface of the cornea, which also leads to disruption of the tear film;
• malnutrition of the cornea;
• incomplete closure of the eyelids or excessive opening of the palpebral fissure due to eye diseases;
• disturbances in the work of the lacrimal glands;
• avitaminosis;
• endocrine diseases;
• hormonal disruption during menopause;
• Parkinson's disease;
• violation of the glands of the century;
• paralysis of the facial nerves;
• unsuitable lenses;
• improper work at the computer;
• eye surgeries and improperly selected medications;
• adverse environmental factors.

The development of the disease

Normally, the eyes are constantly moisturized due to the presence of a protective tear film, which produces the tear fluid necessary to moisturize the cornea. The tear film consists of several layers:

• the surface layer, which consists of fats necessary to prevent evaporation of the liquid;
• the middle layer, which consists directly of the lacrimal fluid and provides nourishment and protection to the cornea;
• a mucous layer that adheres tightly to the cornea and protects it, and also forms the basis for the two upper layers.

The lacrimal fluid is produced by several glands, has a complex structure and is contained in a small amount in the eye constantly, washing it when blinking. If, during emotional experiences, the amount of tear fluid increases, its excess through the lacrimal canals goes out through the nose, which is noticeable when a discharge from the nose appears when a person cries. If during any stage of the formation or distribution of tear fluid failures occur, dry eye syndrome occurs.

Failures can occur at the stage of production of tear fluid or at the stage of formation of the tear film (for example, when a certain layer of it becomes thinner or the protective film is unevenly distributed over the surface of the cornea).

Symptoms

Dry eye syndrome is characterized by following signs or symptoms:

• a sensation in the eye of a foreign body, which leads to increased lacrimation (although this is paradoxical, but it is so), which then causes a feeling of dryness;
• decrease or absence of lacrimal menisci at the edges of the eyelids;
• viscous discharge from the eyes turns into mucous threads, which causes discomfort to patients;
• burning and pain in the eyes;
• redness (hyperemia) of the eyes, especially after straining them;
• pain after use eye drops, even if there are no irritating components in their composition;
• poor tolerance to smoke, wind, bright light.

Diagnosis of the disease

A timely diagnosis allows the patient to be prescribed appropriate treatment. Evaluation of patients who develop dry eye symptoms is based on clinical methods. In some cases, the diagnosis is established or confirmed using special functional tests.

Clinical examination of the patient

With this diagnostic method, the doctor performs the following procedures:

1. Interviewing a patient in order to clarify complaints and symptoms.
2. Collecting a complete history.
3. Thorough examination of the edge of the eyelids, cornea using a special slit lamp.
4. Ultrasound examination of the eyeball.
5. Determination of the condition of the skin of the eyelids, their closure.
6. Checking the nature and frequency of blinking movements.

During an ophthalmological examination, a specialist finds out the objective signs of dry eye syndrome.

Biomicroscopy of the eye is carried out using special diagnostic dyes. When sodium fluorescein is applied to the cornea, defects on the surface of the epithelium turn green. The medical dye Bengal pink stains dead cells of the cornea, as well as mucous and epithelial filaments, red.

Functional diagnostics

This method of identifying the symptoms of a disease is used when the nature of the existing symptoms is unclear. It consists in the use of special tests. which allow you to determine the invariability of the tear film and the amount of tears secreted by the eye.

1. The Norn method allows you to determine the stability of the tear film after instilling a medical dye into the eye.
2. The Schirmer method is carried out to determine the total amount of tears produced using a thin strip of special paper.

In some cases, the patient may require examination, consultation of an endocrinologist, neuropathologist, allergist, immunologist.

Early diagnosis of dry eye syndrome is the first step towards successful treatment of the disease.

Treatment

Depending on the cause and severity of the disease, the treatment of dry eye syndrome is to achieve the following effect:

• stimulating the formation of tear fluid,
• decrease in the outflow of tear fluid,
• the appearance of artificial tear fluid,
• reduced evaporation of lacrimal fluid.

If the cause that caused the dry eye syndrome is not dangerous, it is caused only by improper work in the office at the computer, the symptoms are weak and no pathologies have been identified, artificial tear drops can help.

They create a protective film on the surface of the patient's eye, which also includes the patient's tear fluid, if it still remains.

Such drops are applied regularly during the working day, every 2-3 hours. The most famous drugs are "Tear natural", Oftagel, Korneregel, Vidisik, Solcoseryl.

If dry eye syndrome occurs due to some pathology or severe forms of the disease are observed, surgical treatment is recommended.

For example, in order to prevent the outflow of lacrimal fluid, it is necessary to obturate the lacrimal glands, i.e. cross them so that the tear fluid does not come out through the nasal cavity.

The same can be achieved by orthopedic means, when with the help of a special "plug" lacrimal canal... The second method is used more often, because it has many advantages in the form of hypoallergenic materials, the absence of surgery and irreversible changes.

Prevention

To prevent dry eye syndrome, you need to follow some simple recommendations that can prevent the onset of the disease and its unpleasant consequences.

1. Protect your eyes from sunlight. To do this, you need to attend to the purchase of quality sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat or cap with a visor.
2. As far as possible, it is worth protecting yourself from the smog and smoke that exist in any large city. If you cannot be less in a polluted environment, try not to let in the city air at least at home by opening the vents or windows. You can install special devices that humidify and purify the air.
3. If your job involves being in the office all the time, take time out in the evenings and on weekends for outdoor walks in a local park or out of town.
4. Its workplace should be kept clean and tidy. Position your computer and other office equipment correctly to avoid the development of Computer Eye Syndrome. Observe the correct mode of work and rest, both in life in general and when working at a computer.
5. Review your diet. Most useful fresh vegetables, fruits, berries, herbs, dairy products. Try to eat less animal fats and meat. Alcohol negatively affects not only the entire body, but also the eyes, therefore, reddening of the eyes is often observed after drinking alcohol.

If you experience discomfort in your eyes, do not self-medicate and see your doctor. At the onset of the disease, it is easier to prevent dangerous consequences and completely get rid of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

Study of the influence of coffee consumption on the development of the syndrome

Prevention of dry eye syndrome is one of the important components in alleviating this disease. Japanese experts have conducted a study on the effect of drinking coffee on the symptoms of dry eye. According to scientists, fewer people who drink large amounts of coffee throughout the day suffer from dry eye syndrome.

Experts have concluded that caffeine stimulates the lacrimal glands, saliva and gastric juices. The study involved 78 volunteers. Half of the participants consumed caffeine and the rest a placebo. As a result of the experiment, it was found that people who took coffee, the activity of lacrimation was much higher than that of the second group.

Dry eye syndrome, otherwise called xerophthalmia, according to the logic of the name of the pathology, is a condition of the eye in which the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva are insufficiently moisturized, which leads to its drying out. Burning and stinging, as well as other unpleasant sensations appear.

Dry eye is diagnosed by a number of methods, including: biomicroscopy, Schirmer's test, Norn's test, conjunctival smear. That is, the methods have been developed, with the help of which it is possible to reliably diagnose dry eye.

According to statistics, dry eye syndrome occurs quite often (from 9 to 18 percent of the total population). Almost 70% of them are women. With age, the number of cases increases. For this reason, various tear substitutes are being developed to treat the syndrome, for example, artificial tear drops.

Dry eye syndrome is a complex of pathological processes affecting the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva, manifested by their drying out (xerosis). The development of dry eye syndrome occurs due to a long-term change in the stability of the tear films covering the mucous membrane of the eye.

Dry eye syndrome is the main cause of chronic irritation, inflammation of the ocular mucosa and conjunctival hyperemia.

Attention! A dry eye, devoid of a stable tear film, becomes extremely vulnerable to various pathogenic microorganisms. In this regard, dry eye syndrome is one of the most important risk factors for the development of acute and chronic conjunctivitis.

According to statistics, about twenty percent of the population worldwide suffers from dry eye syndrome. It should be noted that in connection with the modern lifestyle (long-term work at a computer, constant use of tablets, smartphones, etc.), the incidence of dry eye syndrome is constantly increasing (over the past few years, it has increased almost fivefold).

Important. At the moment, this disease can be considered a disease of civilization.

Pathogenesis of the development of dry eye syndrome

The development of the disease is based on a long-term violation of the stability of the tear films. Normally, the tear film completely covers the anterior surface of the eye. Its thickness can vary from 6 to 12 microns.

In its structure, the tear film is heterogeneous and consists of mucin (covering the epithelium of the cornea and conjunctiva), watery and lipid layers.

For reference. Each layer is distinguished by its specific morphological and functional features.

The mucin layer is produced by the goblet cells of the conjunctiva of the eye. It is the thinnest layer of the tear film and is responsible for making it hydrophilic. The anterior corneal epithelium itself, which covers the tear film, is hydrophobic (repels fluid), so the mucin layer is responsible for keeping the tear film on the cornea.

The watery layer of the tear films is produced by the accessory and main lacrimal glands and accounts for more than 98 percent of the thickness of the entire tear film. It contains water-soluble electrolytes and organic nutrients.

The watery layers are constantly renewed and are responsible for the transport of nutrients, oxygen, etc. to the conjunctiva and cornea. Also, they are responsible for the removal of desquamated epithelium, carbon dioxide, etc.

Important! Due to the presence of enzymes in the tear film, components of nonspecific resistance and immune tolerance, as well as leukocyte cells, immune protection of the eyes is provided.

The outer layer of the tear films is the lipid layer. Its constituent lipids are produced by the meibomian glands, Zeiss and Moll cells. This layer has a protective function.

The lipid layer regulates heat transfer from the surface of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, and also prevents excessive evaporation of moisture in the aqueous layer.

For reference. Normally, tear films are constantly renewed. About 15% of the entire film is updated within a minute. About ten percent of the film is constantly evaporated from the conjunctival surface due to heating of the cornea and air movement.

Dry eye - causes of the development of the disease

The main predisposing factors for the development of dry eye syndrome are:

• long-term work at the computer (office eye syndrome, monitor eye syndrome);
• prolonged use of tablets, mobile phones;
• regular use of air conditioners (dry air);
• constant eye strain (work with small details, requiring constant visual concentration);
• beriberi (especially vitamin A deficiency);
• living in ecologically unfavorable areas;
• chronic fatigue;
• persistent lack of sleep;
• frequent night shift work;
• work with chemicals;
• wearing contact lenses (dry eye often develops in patients who constantly wear lenses);
• hormonal disorders (the state of menopause in women);
• the use of low-quality eye cosmetics;
• history of keratorefractive surgery;
• constant intake of antihistamines, diuretics and hypotensive properties;
• irrational use of vasoconstrictor or other eye drops, etc.

Attention. There is also a link between dry eye syndrome and eye infections.

On the one hand, dry eye syndrome can be the outcome of many infectious conjunctivitis (adenoviral, epidemic conjunctivitis, etc.), and on the other hand, the presence of dry eye syndrome is a fertile ground for the development infectious inflammation in the conjunctiva.

Dry eye syndrome- This is a complex of symptoms associated with a change in the physicochemical properties of the tear film, a decrease in tear production and a number of other reasons.

Recently, there has been an increase in the prevalence of dry eye syndrome in developed countries. Now dry eye syndrome is found in about half of patients who first see an ophthalmologist. This type of pathology is usually referred to as “diseases of civilization”.

The reasons for the development of the syndrome

The causes of dry eye syndrome are many and varied. This is due to the fact that the tear film consists of three layers (protein-water, water, lipid), and its stability depends on each of them. At the same time, various structures are responsible for the production of each of the components - goblet cells of the conjunctiva, lacrimal, meibomian glands, etc. Damage to any of the links can lead to a violation of the stability of the tear film.

Thus, the following are considered among the reasons for the formation of dry eye syndrome:

• structural features of the eye and its appendages: absence or underdevelopment of the lacrimal glands, violation of their innervation, pathology of the eyelids;
• complications of some eye diseases (dacryoadenitis, keratitis, etc.);
• age-related hormonal changes (general dryness of the mucous membranes with menopause);
• vitamin A deficiency;
• side effect of the use of certain medications (antihypertensive drugs, oral contraceptives, antihistamines, diuretics, antidepressants);
• dysfunction of the meibomian glands, which produce a fatty secretion, which stabilizes the tear film and prevents its rapid evaporation;
• some systemic diseases (Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, pathology thyroid gland, diseases gastrointestinal tract and liver);
• the consequences of ophthalmic and cosmetic surgical interventions (scars that prevent the normal closure of the eyelids);
• wearing contact lenses, using eye drops containing preservatives;
• excessive dryness of the ambient air (dry climate, air conditioning and centralized heating in the room);
• other unfavorable environmental conditions: elevated temperature(hot shop), work in the wind, dust and other pollution;
• long-term work at the computer and other types of activities that require visual tension and prolonged concentration of attention, which leads to a decrease in blinking movements.

Symptoms

• dryness and burning in the eyes, sensation foreign body increasing during the day;
• reflex lacrimation;
• periodic blurred vision;
• discharge from the eyes (mucous, filamentous), "tarnishing" of the sclera and cornea;
• redness of the conjunctiva of the eyelids and sclera, visible dilated vessels;
• intensification of the listed symptoms in strong winds, decrease in air humidity, prolonged reading, work at the monitor.

Possible complications of dry eye syndrome

Long-term without appropriate correction dry eye syndrome can lead to serious complications, including with the prospect of significant deterioration and even loss of vision.

Drying out of the cornea can lead to the formation of recurrent erosions and ulcers on its surface, with the further formation of scars, which inevitably negatively affects vision.

Insufficient production of tear fluid reduces its protective function and disrupts the process of self-cleaning of the surface of the eye, both from external contaminants and from metabolic products and dying surface cells. All this creates a favorable environment for the development of infectious and inflammatory processes - keratitis, keratoconjunctivitis, etc.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made by an ophthalmologist after clarifying the complaints, examining the patient (in particular, using a slit lamp with the use of special dyes to detect defects on the cornea and conjunctiva) and conducting (if necessary) additional clarifying studies.

Functional studies include tests that measure the stability of the tear film, the total production of tear fluid, and its osmolarity.

Dry eye treatment

The main objectives of treatment- compensation for the lack of tear fluid, stabilization of the tear film, the fight against pathological changes that have arisen as a result of the "dry eye" syndrome.

For this, artificial tear substitutes are used (special eye drops, gels), ointments that slow down the evaporation of tears, drugs that stimulate tear production. It is also recommended to keep the temperature cool and humidify the indoor air.

With low efficiency conservative therapy resort to surgical occlusion (blockage) of the lacrimal tubules, which normally drain the "excess" tears.

Additionally, vitamin therapy is used, drugs that improve eye nutrition, promote healing of the resulting defects, normalize immunity, reduce inflammation and prevent the development of infection.

A good effect is given by the treatment of the main diseases leading to the development of the dry eye syndrome.

INITIAL CONSULTATION

from 4 200 rub

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Good afternoon, dear readers!

In one of the previous articles, we started a conversation about learned what causes dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva, what symptoms indicate this pathology.

Today I want to talk in more detail about the methods of diagnosing xerophthalmia, its prevention and treatment.

We already know that many of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome are similar to the manifestations of other eye diseases, for example, conjunctivitis or blepharitis, so you cannot engage in self-diagnosis in order to avoid erroneous conclusions.

Lack of treatment or improper prescription for dry eye syndrome can lead to further development of the disease and the appearance of serious complications - from corneal damage to loss of vision.

If you have complaints about your eye health or vision, be sure to contact an experienced ophthalmologist who can identify xerophthalmia, determine its stage and prescribe appropriate treatment for you.

How is dry eye syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis of xerophthalmia includes clinical methods and functional examination.

At the initial visit, the ophthalmologist should conduct a survey of the client in order to find out the details of the development of the disease, its symptoms and possible influencing factors, to learn about the features professional activity, mode of work and rest.

After that, the doctor will move on to primary biomicroscopy - examination of the organ of vision using a slit lamp, examining the current state of the cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelid margins.

If clinical methods do not help to make an unambiguous diagnosis, a functional examination is prescribed, which includes:

1. Norn's test to determine the stability of the tear film;
2. Schirmer's test for measuring tear production.

V Norn's test a drop of sodium fluorescein solution is applied to the surface of the eye, which stains the surface of the tear film.

The patient is then asked not to blink and the time of the appearance of the first tear in the lacrimal layer is monitored using a blue filter and a slit lamp.

If the test result is less than 10 s, we can talk about the presence of xerophthalmia.

Also, Norn's test reveals "dry" areas of the cornea, on which the epithelium has already begun to be disturbed.

Schirmer test allows you to estimate the volume of tear fluid produced. For this test, a 0.5 x 5 cm strip of filtered paper is used. One of its ends is folded 45 degrees away from the edge of 0.5 cm. This fold is inserted under the lower eyelid and left in this position for 5 minutes.

After completing the test, measure the length of the wetted area, normally it should be at least 2 cm.

In particularly difficult cases, it is used to identify dry eye syndrome. crystallographic research lacrimal fluid, which determines its chemical properties.

Xerophthalmia treatment

Treatment of dry eye syndrome involves the restoration of sufficient moisture for the eye, elimination of the root cause of the disease and the factors that cause it, and prevention of severe consequences for eye health.

These tasks can be handled by complex treatment, which may include the following stages:

1. tear replacement therapy;
2. drug stimulation of tear production;
3. the use of medical contact lenses;
4. surgical intervention

And, of course, one should not forget about the reason that caused the disease. If dry eye syndrome has developed against the background of any disease, it is worthwhile to simultaneously deal with its treatment.

It so happens that dryness of the cornea and conjunctiva is side effect taking medication. Talk to your doctor about canceling them or replacing them with other drugs that have a similar therapeutic effect, but without a negative effect on the eyes.

If xerophthalmia is the result of improper diet and lifestyle, no treatment will help without their correction, no matter how effective it is considered.

Tear replacement drugs

For successful treatment dry eye syndrome in his initial stage and elimination of most of the symptoms, tear replacement therapy is prescribed - periodic instillation of drugs similar in composition to the natural tear fluid.

By creating a stable film, these tear substitutes do an excellent job of relieving and relieving symptoms, moisturizing and replenishing the lack of moisture.

The drugs are instilled from 2 to 7 times a day, it all depends on the severity and severity of the disease.

Artificial tear preparations - drops, ointments and gels - vary in viscosity (low, medium and high).

Their use is due to the severity of the disease and the quality characteristics of their own lacrimal fluid.

Treatment begins with medicines of low (Natural Tear drops, Oksial) and medium viscosity (Lacrisin): they compensate for the deficiency of the water layer and maintain the stability of the tear film.

The disadvantage of this group of medicines is the need for their frequent instillation.

The higher the viscosity medicinal product, the better its contact with the surface of the eye and the longer exposure

However, high-viscosity drugs (Oftagel, Vidisik, Systain) can cause a decrease in vision clarity, so it is more advisable to use them before bedtime or at home.

Curative contact correction

The use of soft contact lenses helps to slow the evaporation of tears and to protect the surface of the conjunctiva and cornea from aggressive environmental influences.

In this case, special attention should be paid to eye hygiene and contact lens care.

If this requirement is not met, the likelihood of infection of the cornea and neoplasms is high. blood vessels in her tissues.

Surgery

As for surgical intervention, it is used quite rarely, the cause can be severe changes in the cornea and a pronounced decrease in the production of tear fluid.

Surgical methods for the treatment of xerophthalmia are aimed at reducing the outflow of tears and increasing its volume.

For this purpose, the lacrimal tubules are blocked with temporary collagen (absorbable after a week) or permanent silicone plugs.

This operation has not yet become widespread in our country due to the high cost of foreign materials.

Domestic surgeons have developed a technique for closing the lacrimal canal with conjunctival tissue.

Salivary gland transplants are another technique that helps keep the cornea and conjunctiva hydrated with secretions similar to tears.

How to protect your eyes from dryness

The described conservative and operational methods can not always cure xerophthalmia completely, especially its advanced stages. In addition, treatment can be lengthy or costly.

It is better to prevent the development of dry eye syndrome and pay increased attention to its prevention. This can be done by following certain recommendations.

Preventive measures

• When you are at the computer for a long time, do not forget about breaks: you need to be distracted every hour for 10-15 minutes. Blink more often while working
• You also need to blink when watching movies. Remember that your eyes are in constant tension.
• To save yourself from the problems associated with dry eye syndrome, you need to do at least 20 blinking movements per hour.

  Blinking renews the protective film, restores its integrity

• Gymnastics for the eyes has proven itself perfectly. It effectively relieves stress and reduces fatigue.

  The essence of gymnastics is to change the view and concentration zones. Concentrate on some distant object, look at it for at least 15 seconds, and then suddenly shift your gaze to an object that is nearby. At the same time, the head remains motionless.

• Drink fluids (8-10 glasses per day), with preference for pure water or natural juices
• Wear sunglasses in the summer and blink more often in the cold in winter.

Eyes require careful attitude, be attentive to your health!