Dry Eye and Treatment

Normally, the eye is constantly washed with tears. Tears keep the eye moist and comfortable. Sometimes tears are not produced in sufficient quantities. Sometimes the tear quality is impaired and cannot wet the eye sufficiently. This condition is known as "dry eye".

There are two methods for tear production in our eyes. The first is the slow and constant release of tears, which ensures continuous eye wetting, and the second is the reflexive secretion of excessive amounts in cases of crying, foreign objects in the eye, eyelash stinging, contact with cold air and wind, irritating events inside the nose, colds, flu or inflammation of the eye. It is interesting that dryness in the eye can reflexively cause tearing. Contact lens wear can increase the intensity of tears.

Symptoms of Dry Eye

 Burning and Stinging Sensation

 Mucus Threads in and Around the Eye (A Sticky Secretion)

 Redness

 Excessive Tearing, Feeling of Fatigue

 Feeling of Discomfort When Using Contact Lens

What is a tear film?

When we blink, tears spread over the surface of the eye and form a film. This is called the tear film layer. In addition to water, this layer contains fat, mucus, electrolytes, vitamins, sugar and amino acids. The tear film layer nourishes the anterior layers of the eye, ensures oxygen exchange and keeps the surface of the eye smooth and transparent.

Without this layer, clear and proper vision is not possible. It also washes away foreign objects, allergic and microbial substances entering the eye. It contains immunoglobulins and immunomodulators that protect against microbial substances.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Normally, the amount of tears we already have decreases as we age. Dry eye is more common in postmenopausal and older women. However, it is possible to see it at any age in men and women. Dry eye due to vitamin A deficiency is very rare and is particularly common in underdeveloped countries.

Dry eye can also occur in association with other problems. For example, Sjögren's syndrome may be suspected if dry eyes are accompanied by dry mouth and joint pain. Some rheumatic diseases can cause a decrease in tear secretion. Some medications can also cause dry eyes by reducing tear secretion.

How is Dry Eye Diagnosed?

Dry eye can be easily diagnosed by any ophthalmologist. For a definitive diagnosis, tests that measure tear production are performed.

Schirmer Test: With a filter paper placed on the inner surface of the lower eyelid, it can be evaluated whether the tear is sufficient or not. It must be at least 10 mm above it to not have dry eye.

Tear Breakup Time: The dye is dripped into the lower eyelid, the eye is opened and closed several times and then asked not to be closed at all. The formation of dry spots on the surface of the eye before 10 seconds is important for diagnosis.

Dry Eye Treatment

The first step is to replace the missing tears. Artificial tear drops are very similar to your own tears. They dilute the eye and keep it moist, making it comfortable. There are many types of artificial tear drops.

People who are sensitive to the preservatives in artificial tears or who wear contact lenses should be recommended preservative-free tear drops. Artificial tear drops can be used once or twice a day or even several times an hour. You should follow your doctor's advice on this matter. Preserving Existing Tears (Temporary-Permanent Punctal Plugs) Another approach to keeping the eyes moist is to preserve one's own tears.

Tears drain from the eye through a system of ducts into the nose (this is why our nose also drains when we cry) and can block these ducts temporarily or permanently. With this closure procedure, it will be possible to protect the patient's own tears and prolong the duration of artificial tears in the eye. Other Methods: Tears, like other liquids, have the ability to evaporate. It may be useful to keep the environment moist to prevent evaporation. For this purpose, the room can be kept moist by placing a container of water on the radiator or stove that we use to heat the room in winter.

A person with dry eyes should protect themselves from hot rooms, hair dryers or windy environments. Smoking can also be avoided. Drugs that increase tear production by reducing inflammation in the lacrimal gland have recently been used and are very effective. In rare diseases such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or pemphigoid, drops containing vitamin A may be useful for the treatment of dry eye.