What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a change that occurs on the surface of the cornea and conjunctiva due to the absence or poor quality of tear fluid. As a result, the surface of the eye is poorly hydrated, which can cause discomfort, vision problems, and injury to the cornea and conjunctiva.
Why does it appear?
When the lacrimal glands do not produce enough tear fluid to properly hydrate the eye, the patient may experience dryness in the eye.
Among the most common causes of this phenomenon are:
- Decreased secretion due to age is the most common cause of the disease. Over the years, the cells that generate constant lacrimation atrophy.
- Hormonal changes in women (pregnancy, contraception, and menopause).
- Environmental factors, especially environments with a lot of evaporation (wind, air conditioning, heaters, etc.).
- Prolonged reading, as the number of blinking decreases and the tear fluid is not distributed properly in the eye, increasing its evaporation.
- Some systemic diseases (Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, etc.).
- Use of contact lenses.
- Some eye surgeries.
- Certain scars on the surface of the eyes (eg, severe viral conjunctivitis).
Dry eye symptoms
- Burning sensation
- Itchy eyes
- Painful sensations
- Heavy eyes
- Tired eyes
- Pain in the eyes
- Feeling dry
- Redness of the eyes
- Photophobia
- Blurry vision
