Keratoconjunctivitis is an inflammatory disease of the conjunctiva with involvement of the cornea in the pathological process. Keratoconjunctivitis is one of the most common ophthalmic pathologies due to the rapid response of the conjunctiva to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Women and men are equally susceptible to the disease.

Lacrimation and redness of the conjunctiva are the main symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis

Causes and risk factors

The reasons for the development of keratoconjunctivitis can be:

• blinking disorder;
• infection (bacteria, viruses, microscopic fungi, helminths can act as agents) during ophthalmic procedures, with non-compliance with personal hygiene, etc.;
• violation of the tear film;
• systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and other systemic diseases;
• constant wearing contact lenses;
• infectious diseases.

Against the background of keratoconjunctivitis, corneal opacity may develop with a concomitant decrease in visual acuity, filamentous keratitis, leucorrhoea, etc.

Forms of the disease

Depending on the etiology, keratoconjunctivitis is distinguished:

• herpetic;
• hydrogen sulfide;
• epidemic;
• dry;
• chlamydial;
• tuberculosis-allergic;
• adenoviral;
• spring;
• atopic, etc.

Depending on the nature of the course:

• spicy;
• chronic.

Symptoms

Acute keratoconjunctivitis is characterized by a lesion in the beginning of one eye, then the second eye is also involved in the pathological process. The inflammation can be asymmetrical - one eye can be involved in the process more, the other less. Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the form. Signs common to all forms:

• itching and / or burning of the eye;
• lacrimation;
• redness of the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eye;
• mucopurulent discharge from the eye;
• swelling of the conjunctiva;
• photophobia;
• sensation of a foreign body in the eye;
• sharp pain in the eye.

With chlamydial keratoconjunctivitis, general symptoms are complemented by the formation of peripheral subepithelial infiltrates. Keratoconjunctivitis on the background allergic reaction accompanied by lacrimation, itching and severe burning. The dry form of the disease is manifested by dry eye syndrome. Viral keratoconjunctivitis is often accompanied by hemorrhage under the conjunctiva. In the case of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, a coin-shaped cornea becomes opaque.

Diagnostics

To make a diagnosis, an ophthalmological examination and instrumental and laboratory research are required, including:

• collection of complaints and anamnesis;
• objective examination;
• biomicroscopy, visometry, perimetry, etc.;
• bacteriological and histochemical examination of the lacrimal fluid;
• general analysis of blood and urine;
• Wasserman reaction (or express diagnostics of syphilis); and etc.

Keratoconjunctivitis is one of the most common ophthalmic pathologies due to the rapid response of the conjunctiva to endogenous and exogenous stimuli.

Treatment

The tactics of treating keratoconjunctivitis depends on the form of the disease, as well as on the depth and prevalence of the inflammatory process. An anti-infective drug is selected depending on the type infectious agent that caused the pathological process.

With dry keratoconjunctivitis, in addition to anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that moisturize the surface of the eyes are used.

When treating an allergic form of keratoconjunctivitis, first of all, the allergen is eliminated, then antihistamines are prescribed.

For the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis, anti-infectious, anti-inflammatory drugs and drops that moisturize the conjunctiva are used

In some cases, with keratoconjunctivitis, patients are shown surgical intervention. Surgery carried out mainly with keratoconjunctivitis caused by a foreign body in the eye or other trauma.

If the therapy fails and the symptoms worsen, corneal transplantation may be performed.

Possible complications and consequences

Against the background of keratoconjunctivitis, corneal opacity may develop with a concomitant decrease in visual acuity, filamentous keratitis, leucorrhoea, etc. The most severe complication is complete loss of vision.

Forecast

At early diagnosis keratoconjunctivitis and timely adequate treatment, the prognosis is favorable; in the absence of treatment, the prognosis for visual function worsens.

Prophylaxis

There is no specific prophylaxis for keratoconjunctivitis. Non-specific preventive measures:

• observance of the rules of personal hygiene, washing only with clean water;
• compliance with the rules for wearing contact lenses;
• wearing swimming goggles when visiting the pool;
• strengthening of immunity.

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Inflammations of the structural organs of the eye are common symptoms of ophthalmic ailments. Keratoconjunctivitis dry is a great danger, it is a bilateral process in which the conjunctiva and the cornea are affected simultaneously. It occurs as a result of disruption of the mucous glands. There are other types of keratoconjunctivitis, depending on the etiology. All forms show vivid symptoms, so the disease is not difficult to recognize visually at the first stages. As a treatment, it is provided local therapy using anti-inflammatory drops.

Keratoconjunctivitis can develop at any age, is highly contagious and has a high transmission rate. Launched stages provoke dangerous consequences, can lead to total blindness.

Etiology

• allergy;
• side effects of medications;
• mechanical damage to the cornea or conjunctiva;
• the presence of a foreign body in the eye cavity;
• imbalance of vitamins and minerals;
• the use of contact lenses;
• non-observance of the rules of personal hygiene.

Dry conjunctivitis can be a secondary disease. It can be provoked by pathologies that affect the human immune system. Moreover, such forms of the disease pose an even greater danger and are difficult to treat. Often, the disease occurs as a complication against the background of influenza, rubella, lupus. Processes in the development of Sjogren's syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis are capable of provoking inflammation.

Classification

When diagnosing a disease, it is necessary to determine the type of ailment. The classification focuses on primary cause development. Most often in adults, acute keratoconjunctivitis is observed, it is characterized by vivid symptoms. There are also chronic forms of the disease. In total, ophthalmologists distinguish 10 types of diseases, the most common of which are presented in the table:

Possible Symptoms

The symptoms of the disease differ depending on the species. However, there are a number of symptoms that are common to all types of ailments. These include general manifestations of the inflammatory process. For acute keratoconjunctivitis, symptoms develop first in one eye, then the transition to the second. In chronic forms, bilateral damage is observed. You can recognize the ailment by the following symptoms:

• severe itching or burning;
• swelling of the conjunctiva;
• dryness of the eye membrane;
• increased lacrimation;
• purulent discharge;
• fear of light;
• feeling of a foreign body in the eye;
• redness of the eye.

The first signs appear 2-3 days after the infection of the conjunctiva. The inflammatory process spreads to the cornea within a week, if it is not stopped. In advanced stages, follicles, papillae, plaques and other elements may appear that affect vision. Therefore, if the ailment is not treated, a complete loss of vision is possible.

Is the adenovirus attacking? This means that one should expect a cough and a runny nose - a similar stereotype has developed among many of us. However, an insidious infection can also choose another object of damage - the mucous membrane of the eye, as a result of which the development of a disease with a rather complicated name is likely - adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis (one of the varieties of adenoviral).

ICD code B30.0 + Keratoconjunctivitis caused by adenovirus (H19.2 *)

Symptoms

Once in your body, the adenovirus will manifest itself far from immediately. It will take at least a week before you notice the first symptoms of the disease:

• redness of the eyes: first one, and a few days later the other;
• pain in the inflamed eye;
• feeling of clogging;
• rather strong tearing;
• swelling of the conjunctiva;
• swelling of the lymph nodes behind the ears;
• sometimes swelling and drooping of the upper eyelid;
• headaches and general weakness.

Causes

In part, adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis can be called "dirty hands disease" - an epithet usually applied to intestinal infections... Indeed, very often the pathogen enters the mucous membrane of the eyes from our own hands after contact with an adenovirus carrier.

Infection is also possible by airborne droplets, again due to communication with the carrier of the virus. The risk of infection is increased by frequent hypothermia and the presence of respiratory diseases, swimming pool visits, serious eye injuries and eye surgery.

Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis - treatment

If simple treatment of adenoviral conjunctivitis is carried out on an outpatient basis, then the person with keratoconjunctivitis, as a rule, needs health care in a hospital setting. Adenovirus is insidious in that it often mutates and has the ability to "get used" to previously effective drugs.

Therefore, they are selected taking into account the causes of the disease. If adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis is complicated by acute respiratory diseases, add to the antiviral antibacterial drugs... If the inflammation does not go away for a long time, corticosteroids are added. After the end of treatment, drugs that restore immunity are prescribed.

There are many folk remedies treatment of adenovirus infection:

1. The affected eye can be wiped every morning with a cotton swab dipped in a pale pink infusion of potassium permanganate.
2. It is useful to make a decoction of chamomile, calendula, thyme and yarrow, and use it to wash the eyes.
3. Honey diluted with boiled water in a 1: 2 ratio, can be used as a lotion and eye drops.
4. Try making an eye compress from kolanchoe juice diluted with boiled water in a 1: 1 ratio.
5. A good instillation in the eyes is a mixture of honey and onion juice (1: 1). For children, this mixture should be diluted with boiled water.

In any case, before starting treatment with traditional medicine be sure to consult a doctor.

Consequences

There is an opinion that eye diseases caused by adenovirus do not deserve a particularly serious attitude - they say, it will pass by itself. But this is fundamentally wrong: with an advanced form of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis, the infection can spread to the entire body, which is fraught with dangerous consequences... Therefore, it is very important to immediately consult an ophthalmologist who will make an accurate diagnosis, prescribing additional clinical researches, for example, a smear from the mucous membrane.

Most often, the prognosis for the treatment of adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis is favorable: 2-4 weeks after the onset of correct and timely treatment you will get rid of this disease.

In the case of an advanced form of keratoconjunctivitis, unpleasant consequences are not excluded. One of them is development, in which, due to corneal opacity and disruption of the lacrimal gland, visual acuity can significantly decrease.

In addition, the disease can turn into chronic stage or promote the onset of bacterial conjunctivitis. Much depends on immune system sick and general condition his body. In especially severe cases, an eyesore may form on the eye, or even loss of vision may occur.

Precautionary measures

Remember that keratoconjunctivitis is highly contagious and can persist on various surfaces and tissues for 10-45 days. Preventive measures for the disease are quite simple, but they should be strictly observed:

• you can not rub your eyes with your hands so as not to bring in adenovirus, which may be on the skin;
• door handles in a house where there is a patient must be treated with disinfectants;
• the patient is not allowed to take children in his arms, and in general his contact with family members should be minimized;
• the patient's towel and bedding should be individual, they should not be washed, but boiled;
• you can not use cosmetics, glasses and contact lenses of the patient.

Be attentive to your health, eat rationally and observe the daily routine, do not overcool, avoid large crowds and observe the rules of personal hygiene, especially after visiting medical institutions and travel by public transport - then it will be much more difficult for even an insidious adenovirus to knock you out of the usual rhythm of life.

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Keratoconjunctivitis, the treatment of which will be discussed in this article, is a serious inflammatory ailment that affects the conjunctiva and cornea of ​​the eye. The disease is common, because the conjunctiva has a very high reactivity - it instantly reacts to external stimuli and influencing factors.

Why does this disease occur? What are the symptoms? How is it treated? It is worth trying to answer these and many other questions now.

Causes

Before proceeding to the consideration of the principles of treatment of keratoconjunctivitis, it is necessary to talk about the reasons why it occurs.

Often, keratoconjunctivitis develops as a result of prolonged use of corticosteroids or vitamins. Its appearance can also provoke the effect of a foreign body on the cornea or conjunctiva.

Improper wear or inadequate cleaning of contact lenses is also a common cause.

It is important to make a reservation that keratoconjunctivitis can act as a symptom of another disease. As a rule, it is rubella, flu, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus and Sjogren's syndrome.

The provoking factors include lice, non-observance of the basic principles of hygiene, helminthiasis and food allergies.

Disease types

In total, there are 10 types of this ailment:

1. Herpetic. The herpes virus becomes the cause of the inflammation. Symptoms are similar to those of acute diffuse conjunctivitis or
2. Hydrogen sulfide. Specific form. The cause is the long-term effect of hydrogen sulfide on the eyes.
3. Tuberculosis-allergic. It is fraught with the appearance of conflicts in the eyes. It appears due to the activity of tuberculosis bacteria.
4. Epidemic. There is a consequence of the ingress of pathogenic microorganisms into the cornea or conjunctival sac. This form is contagious.
5. Adenoviral. Treatment of this type of keratoconjunctivitis should be started as early as possible. After all, the disease occurs due to the activity of the adenovirus. And it is also contagious.
6. Dry. This type of ailment is characterized by the formation of filaments from degenerated epithelial cells. They can be up to 5 mm long and hang freely from the cornea. The cause of the disease is its drying out and hypofunction of the lacrimal glands.
7. Chlamydial. Inflammation of this type occurs due to the presence of a large number of chlamydia in the body. May be a sign indicating the presence of genitourinary disease.
8. Atopic. This is a chronic disease that worsens in the cold season. It is characterized by whitish plaques on the surface. eyeball.
9. Spring. This is a chronic ailment. Aggravation, as the name implies, occurs in the spring. Sometimes - for the fall. Also characterized by the presence of whitish plaques.
10. Tygeson's keratoconjunctivitis. It occurs as a result of an allergy or a virus. It is characterized by a chiseled infection, almost invisible at the initial stage.

Symptoms

The general signs by which one can judge the presence of keratoconjunctivitis, the treatment of which will be discussed below, include:

• Burning.
• Loose structure of the conjunctiva and its redness.
• Profuse lachrymation.
• Puffiness.
• Redness of the cornea.
• Photophobia.
• Discharge of a mucopurulent character.
• Conjunctival hemorrhage.
• A persistent sensation of the presence of a foreign body in the eye.

In rare cases, various elements of pathological origin are formed (papillae, follicles). Initially, inflammation is localized only in the conjunctiva, and after 5-15 days it spreads to the cornea.

Other signs

In the event that the disease has arisen due to chlamydia present in the body, subepithelial peripheral infiltrates will also be added to the symptoms. These are accumulations of lymph and blood.

If a person is sick with an epidemic form of the disease, then he will still have noticeable corneal opacities that resemble coins in appearance.

In the case of atopic and spring type of ailment, whitish plaques will appear along the limbus. Allergic disease causes severe lacrimation and burning. But with dry inflammation, dry eye syndrome is almost always observed.

Keratoconjunctivitis dry

Treatment of this ailment is based on the use of drugs that can replace a tear. Viscous analogs should be chosen that cover the ocular surface for much longer.

In some cases, doctors will prescribe an ointment. It should be applied at bedtime. When using the ointment, it will be possible to avoid irritation in the morning after waking up. You can also use eye lubricants.

It is also important to normalize the living environment. A person should not be in a room with dry air, as well as where it is smoky or smoky.

Also, the doctor may prescribe topical application of cyclosporine or occlusion of the nasolacrimal points. Warm compresses and antibiotic ointments such as Doxycycline and Bacitracin help.

Tuberculous-allergic keratoconjunctivitis

It is also important to talk about how the therapy of this disease is carried out. Treatment of this type of keratoconjunctivitis in adults is desensitizing, restorative, antibacterial.

Mydriatic remedies help well for topical application, PASK in drops, as well as streptomycin and cortisone. Often, the doctor will prescribe a 10% solution of calcium chloride by mouth. It should be taken after meals, 1 tablespoon three times a day.

The use of fish oil and multivitamins is also useful. PASK is combined with ftivazide and streptomycin.

Treatment is carried out only in conjunction with a phthisiatrician.

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

In the case of this form of disease, therapy is very problematic. Talking about the symptoms and treatment of this type of keratoconjunctivitis, it should be noted that there is no medicines affecting adenoviruses selective action... Therefore, therapy is fraught with difficulties.

Typically, medications are used broad action... These are interferons (ophthalmoferon and lokferon) and its inductors, installations 6-8 times a day. If the stage is acute, then you additionally need to drink antihistamines and take antiallergic drops, for example, "Spersallerg" or "Allergophthal".

In subacute form, drops "Lekrolin" and "Alomid" are used. If films have formed, you will need to take corticosteroids - "Maxidex", "Dexapos" and "Oftan-Dexamethasone". In case of damage to the cornea, "Kopergel", "Vitasik", "Korposin", "Taufon" help.

Viral keratoconjunctivitis

The disease of this form cannot be ignored. Treatment for viral keratoconjunctivitis is aimed at eliminating the reason for which it arose. So the doctor prescribes antibiotics and drops wide range actions. Only these drugs are capable of affecting a large number of bacteria known to science.

If a patient is diagnosed with a severe disease, which is also progressing, then parenteral antibiotics are prescribed.

In parallel, it is necessary to use drugs that can protect normal microflora intestines and other organs. Because with such treatment, against the background of changes occurring in it, the risk of developing fungal diseases and dysbiosis begins to grow.

As a rule, elimination of symptoms and treatment of keratoconjunctivitis in adults is carried out with drops "Tobrex" and "Sofradex". Also used "Acyclovir". This drug prevents the infection from spreading to chronic form.

Spring keratoconjunctivitis

As a rule, this disease occurs among boys 4-10 years old. Keratoconjunctivitis for spring is primarily about minimizing exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the eyes. Therefore, it is highly recommended to wear sunglasses and not be outdoors during daylight hours.

The use of antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers has been shown. Cromoglycate sodium in the form of drops and "Olopatadin" are excellent. But this must be done systematically. Long-term use of these medicines will help avoid exacerbation.

To relieve itching, you will need to apply a 3% sodium bicarbonate solution. You can also make lotions from the solution. boric acid.

Herpetic keratoconjunctivitis

Treatment of this disease is aimed, first of all, at suppressing the virus that provoked it. Therefore, it is necessary to take antiviral and anti-inflammatory drugs.

As a rule, appoint "Vidarabin", "Riodoxol", "Acyclovir", etc.

To process the follicles, you need to use brilliant green. It is imperative to put an antiherpetic ointment under the lower eyelid. For example, "Acyclovir", "Virolex" or "Florenal".

If the area around the eyes is also affected, then you will need to start taking drugs such as Polyoxidonium, Cycloferon and Valtrex.

But that's all strong drugs... How to treat keratoconjunctivitis in this case, interferons are prescribed. Most often they are treated with drops. A popular option is Oftalmoferon. It is instilled 5-6 times a day for 3 days, always after washing the eyes with chamomile broth.

Chlamydial keratoconjunctivitis

In this case, the use of antibiotics is also indicated. Elimination of symptoms and treatment of this type of keratoconjunctivitis is carried out with the use of tetracyclines, macrolides and fluoroquinolones.

Local therapy involves the use of eye drops(p-p-ciprofloxacin and p-p-ofloxacin), anti-inflammatory (p-p-dexamethasone and p-p-indomethacin) and ointment applications for the eyelids.

The treatment of this ailment cannot be called simple. It is carried out in a complex manner. That is, they carry out therapy directed simultaneously against all pathogens identified during the tests.

Any doctor will say that the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis dry in humans will be different from therapy aimed at eliminating the same disease, but only of a different type.

Allergic keratoconjunctivitis should be treated immediately, as complications in this case arise quickly. First of all, it is required to either eliminate the irritant, or limit contact with it. You also need to take vitamins and antihistamines to strengthen overall immunity.

If the form of the course is not complicated in a viral type of disease, then you can use "Pyrogenal", "Reaferon" and "Poludan".

It is also worth knowing that the notorious glucocorticosteroids eliminate signs of inflammation, but they are powerless against adenovirus. They only stop the symptoms. Therefore, due to improper treatment, the disease quickly becomes chronic.

With the dry type, in addition to the use of artificial tears, you can use vaseline oil and "Lacrisin" - this will help restore the natural film on the eyeball.

And, of course, in any case, one must accept vitamin complexes... Which ones - the doctor will say. But you cannot do without them, since keratoconjunctivitis of any type has a negative effect on immunity. And if the body does not have the strength, then after recovery, a relapse can quickly occur.

In general, treatment for this disease should be started as early as possible. Timely therapy helps to avoid complications such as blurred vision, otitis media, scarring of the mucous membrane, bacterial damage. But worst of all, when keratoconjunctivitis becomes chronic.

The eyes of any person are constantly under serious strain. It is through the organs of sight that we receive most of the information about everything that is happening around us. Provided that now every day a person cannot do without a computer and a smartphone, the load on the eyes only becomes higher. As a result, the so-called dry eye syndrome, which doctors call keratoconjunctivitis, can develop. It is recommended to study the symptoms and treatment of the dry form of this disease in advance in order to know how to act if it is present.

Dry keratitis, dry eye syndrome (DES), dry keratoconjunctivitis ... All these are the names of the same ophthalmic disease. It occurs due to excessive dryness of the eyes, which can be triggered by insufficient production of tear fluid or its rapid evaporation. The disease occurs in both humans and animals. It is very common (DES can be found in 5-6% of patients ophthalmological clinics). In women preparing to become mothers, the incidence of DES can increase to almost 10%, and in the elderly, this syndrome is detected in 34% of cases.

Dry eye syndrome is very common in the United States. People with autoimmune pathologies are also very likely to face this ophthalmic problem.

Simply put, dry keratoconjunctivitis is an increased dryness of the mucous membrane on the eyelids and the whites of the eyes, that is, the conjunctiva, as well as dryness of the cornea - that part of the eye that is located directly in front of the iris.

DES can cause chronic eye irritation and leakage inflammatory processes in the vessels of the organs of vision. One of the main signs of the disease is the reddened whites of the eyes.

Tear film layers

In general, the entire film is constantly in the process of updating - about 15% of all its layers have time to change in 1 minute. Also, about 8% of the layer has time to evaporate during the same period due to eye contact with air and heating of the cornea. As a result, tears form tears on the film, which causes the urge to blink. Thus, the eyelids, dropping down, smooth out the existing film and at the same time remove dead particles and cells, etc., into the lower part of the eye. Due to blinking, the integrity of the film is restored. Also, the pumping function of the channels is activated, which are responsible for the drainage of fluid into a special lacrimal sac. During the day, a tear is produced constantly. The eye does not dry out and does not get tired, as the tear film remains in a normal state.

The structure of the tear film

If the process described above is disrupted for some reason, then dry spots on the tear film remain. It cannot fulfill all its functions, and as a result, keratoconjunctivitis dry is manifested in a person.

Causes of keratoconjunctivitis dry

There are very, very many reasons for the occurrence of DES, and they are all associated with a violation of the process of tear production. So problems in this regard can cause congenital diseases of the lacrimal gland (for example, its underdevelopment), as well as its dysfunction caused by certain factors and diseases. Lacrimation disorders can occur even from the fact that a person was taking hormonal or some other medications.

One of the main causes of dry eye syndrome now is the craze for gadgets, as well as spending a lot of time at the computer while working. When looking at the screen, the eyes begin to blink more slowly, and another factor immediately affects - the excessive brightness of the monitors. In good lighting conditions, the eyes begin to peer at the screen more attentively.

Too dry air indoors or outdoors is also one of the causes of keratoconjunctivitis dry. And here there is only one salvation - at least use humidifiers in the apartment. Outside, the air dries up during hot weather; indoors, air conditioners and heating systems dry it out. A tear entering the eye just has time to evaporate before it reaches its destination.

Attention! The situation is especially aggravated in the latter case by the lack of vitamins and minerals necessary for the eye. It is very important to eat properly and in a balanced way and be sure to drink plenty of water to get enough tears.

Two methods of vision correction can also provoke DES - the use of contact lenses and laser correction. In the first case, even careful lens care does not always help to solve the problem. In any case, doctors do not recommend wearing them for a long time and constantly - it is better to wear glasses at least in the evening at home. Only the use of drops such as "artificial tears" will help to correct the situation. Laser correction, in turn, can provoke an exacerbation or development of DES. True, this only happens if the person was incorrectly prepared for surgery, or if the doctor chose the wrong eye treatment technique.

Lacrimal canals and ducts in the eye

Other causes of dry keratoconjunctivitis include:

• Availability chronic diseases eye type or;
• diabetes mellitus, pathologies associated with the thyroid gland;
• menopause and other hormonal changes in the body;
• rheumatoid arthritis;
• exposure to smoke, dust, wind, etc.

The disease is observed in a number of cases with pathological shortening of the eyelids, non-closing of the eyelids at night for some reason, paralysis of the facial nerves, with Sjogren's syndrome. However, there are many more reasons that cause keratoconjunctivitis dry, and a number of factors from the above can affect the eyes at once.

It is important to analyze your activities and highlight those aspects that could really affect the development of the DES. This will help the doctor establish the exact causes of the disease, as well as select the maximum effective treatment and give helpful advice to reduce discomfort.

Symptoms and classifications

The main symptoms of this disease are burning and stinging in the eyes, palpable dryness of the eyeball, irritation and redness of the protein part. Sometimes it seems to a person that sand or some other has got into his eyes foreign body... It gets harder to look at the light.

Moreover, all these symptoms are exacerbated when a person works a lot with small objects or at the computer, when reading and watching TV, as well as while he is in the wind or in a dusty room. An exacerbation of DES can also be observed in airplanes, cars, public transport - places with increased dry air.

On a note! When it is raining and cold outside, symptoms may disappear altogether. Also, a person begins to feel good in the bathroom, pool - where it is very humid.

Doctors identify several so-called macrosignatures of DES. These are certain disorders and diseases that lead to dry eyes. Among them, by the way, keratoconjunctivitis occupies a certain place.

Macro-signs of SSG

Fortunately, vision in the presence of this pathology does not disappear and practically does not deteriorate. But sometimes patients may complain that their vision becomes blurry.

Important! Very often, dry eye syndrome is noted if the patient's body does not have enough vitamin A.

Diagnosis of the disease

If discomfort appears in the eyes, you should immediately consult a doctor, not hoping to get by with drops. The specialist will help you choose the tactics of treatment that will have the greatest effect and ensure a decrease in the number of relapses of the disease.

In general, the doctor will first simply examine the patient, assess his eye condition, and may take certain samples. For example, Schirmer's test - in this case, a thin strip of filter paper is placed on the edge of the eyelid. The doctor will assess the condition by how wet she is, how many tears are produced by the eye. Slit lamp inspection may also be required.

The doctor may do other tests, such as analyzing tears for protein content or doing research to determine the amount of lactoferrin.

One of the main newest tests is the tear osmolarity test. It will help you accurately determine the severity of DES. In this case, the rupture time is estimated tear films, additional tests are carried out, etc.

Treatment of keratoconjunctivitis dry

DES treatment may take place different ways depending on the condition of the eyes. It consists in stimulating the process for the production of tear fluid, as well as improving the retention of the tear film. If necessary, treatment of the inflammatory process may be required.

The first step is to improve the environmental conditions. So, for example, the room should not be dusty. It is also worth giving up the use of air conditioners. In winter, when the heating is on, it is imperative to use a humidifier. When working at a computer, it is recommended to regularly do exercises for the eyes, do not forget to blink. At least once an hour, you should break away from work for at least 5 minutes and give relief to your eyes.

As for medications, doctors first of all advise using drugs to restore the lacrimal balance. These can be drops such as artificial tears, which are injected every few hours (in non-advanced cases), as well as preparations containing autologous serum. Such funds contain special substances that will improve the condition of the eyes, help restore the ocular epithelium. They usually contain a lot of vitamin A. Such remedies are much more effective than ordinary artificial tears.

Eye Drops Artificial Tear

Preparations with artificial tears, in turn, have a prosthetic effect on some layers of the film of tears on the eye. They contain special hydrophilic substances, which, when mixed with the remnants of the lacrimal secretion, are able to form their own film, which is effective in DES. In addition to drops, there are also special gels, they are used in more severe cases. And ointments with artificial tears are used only at night - then in the morning the eyes do not feel dry. During the day, they are not laid, as the drugs create blur and obstruct vision.

On a note! An artificial tear should be injected into the eyes about 4-6 times a day.

If necessary, your doctor may prescribe special steroids and immunosuppressants such as Cyclosporine (Restasis). Prednisolone will help to reduce the number of tears tears. The first drug also helps to reduce inflammation, and many patients report noticeable improvements after 3-6 weeks of treatment.

There are also surgical methods for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis dry. In this case, doctors close the pathways for the outflow of tears from the eyes. The technique is used only if the usual drug therapy did not give any effect. Thus, after the operation, the tear fluid is retained in the eye for a longer time, and the problem is solved.

Also, measures can be taken for metabolic therapy, elimination of allergic syndrome, restoration of immunity, treatment of other eye pathologies, if any. It is also important to deal with the therapy of other common pathologies that can provoke the development of DES.

In addition, doctors may prescribe scleral lens wear. These are very large contact lenses that cover the cornea and protect it from rapid evaporation of tears. Blurring of the gaze is reduced, the eyes become much easier, the dryness effect disappears. Such lenses are permeable to oxygen, so you should not be afraid that your eyes will not breathe. At night, it is important to remove, disinfect and store them in a special container.

Your doctor may also recommend special glasses called a humidification chamber. They cover not only the eyes, but also the area around them, preventing the evaporation of moisture. Such glasses-cameras can be made in the form of a single bandage, glasses, a night cap, etc. They often have a foam pad.

Unfortunately, anyone can develop DES, and there is no prevention as such. You can only give your eyes time to rest and eat right, as well as monitor the state of the air in the apartment and at work. There is simply no way to insure against the occurrence of the syndrome.

Video - Dry eye syndrome

It is important to understand that the type of treatment for keratoconjunctivitis dry should be suggested by the doctor. He will select the most optimal list drugs and will help restore the condition of the tear film. Of course, many people simply buy artificial tears themselves and use it, since it is sold without a prescription in pharmacies. But if it was not possible to cope with dry eyes on your own, then you should make an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.