Related articles: Dry eye syndrome
Definition
Dry eye syndrome is a disease caused by chronic dehydration of the conjunctiva and cornea, which causes irritation. It is mainly due to a quantitative reduction or to a qualitative alteration of the tear film, which covers the eye and normally lubricates and protects it.
Poor production or excessive evaporation of tears can represent the complication of blepharitis, conjunctivitis (including allergic forms) and other inflammatory diseases of the eye. Furthermore, dry eye syndrome can be the result of systemic diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. Furthermore, the disorder is typical in old age (for the atrophy of the lacrimal glands), in menopausal women (for new hormonal balances) and in those who make prolonged use of contact lenses, eye drops or certain systemic drugs (antihypertensives, anxiolytics, sleeping pills, antihistamines and many others).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Eye fatigue
- Burning eyes
- Ocular pain
- Fotofobia
- Tearing
- Eyes reddened
- Corneal opacity
- itch
- Eye dryness
- Ocular secretion
- Blurred vision
Further indications
The most common symptoms due to dry eye syndrome are itching, burning, irritation and light discomfort (photophobia). In addition, a foreign body sensation may appear, which pulls and scratches inside the eye, blurred vision, difficulty in opening the eyelid upon waking, pain and ocular hyperaemia (red eyes). Fatigue or eye fatigue may also occur and, in some patients, mucus may appear in or around the eye. All these disturbances increase due to prolonged visual efforts or in particular environmental conditions, such as exposure to wind or heat or staying in dusty, smoky rooms, with air conditioning or heating.
In the most serious cases, the eye is exposed to greater friction due to the eyelid movement and to a greater risk of infections. Furthermore, it can degenerate up to the appearance of lesions to the external structures of the eye: scarring, neovascularization, infections and ulceration.
The diagnosis is clinical; the eye examination reveals alterations of the conjunctiva and tear film. To assess the amount of tears produced in a given period of time, the Schirmer test can be useful, which is performed by placing small strips of absorbent paper on the eyelid margin. The tear film breaking test, on the other hand, allows a qualitative evaluation of the tear film.
The treatment is based on the administration of artificial tears or moistening gels to restore the tear film and alleviate symptoms. Furthermore, it is essential to correct the basic pathologies (ophthalmology or not) and any complications.
