Dry eye: What is it and what is the treatment?

Dry eye is a very common eye condition that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when tears are not enough to keep the eyes lubricated and healthy, which can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms and increase the risk of eye infections and other eye health problems.

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Causes of dry eye

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors. Here are some of the most common causes of dry eye in more detail.

• Age: As we age, our tear glands may produce fewer tears, which can lead to dry eye. In fact, it is estimated that up to 75% of people over the age of 65 experience some degree of dry eye.

• Medications: Some medications, such as antihistamines, antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can reduce tear production and cause dry eye. If you are taking any medications and experience dry eye symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine if the medication is the underlying cause of your symptoms.

• Autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome and lupus, can damage the tear glands and reduce tear production. If you have an autoimmune disease and are experiencing dry eye symptoms, it is important to consult with your doctor to determine the best way to treat your symptoms.

• Injury or infection: Some people may simply have tear production problems due to an injury to the lacrimal gland or an infection.

• Environmental factors: Environmental factors, such as dry air, wind and smoke, can irritate the eyes and reduce tear production. If you work in a dry or air-conditioned environment, it is important to take steps to keep your eyes lubricated and healthy. Using artificial tears and remembering to blink continuously can help greatly, especially if you work in front of a screen, as we tend to stare more and not take breaks.

Dry eye symptoms

Symptoms of dry eye can range from mild to severe and may include:

• Itching and burning
• Foreign body sensation
• Redness
• Sensitivity to light
• Blurred vision
• Ocular fatigue
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

It is important to keep in mind that the symptoms of dry eye can be similar to symptoms of other eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis. If you experience symptoms of dry eye, it is important to see an ophthalmologist who will determine the origin of the problem and will be able to offer you the most appropriate treatment.

At Clínica Oftalmológica Castanera we have the best ophthalmologists and the most advanced technology to offer you the best diagnosis. This allows us to be at the forefront and continue to be considered one of the leading ophthalmology centers not only in Barcelona but throughout Spain.

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Treatment for dry eye

Treatment for dry eye depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Some common treatments for dry eye include:

• Artificial tears: Artificial tears are drops that are similar in composition to natural tears and help lubricate the eyes and reduce dry eye symptoms. These drops can be purchased over-the-counter at most pharmacies.

• Medications: Some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help reduce inflammation and improve tear production. Obviously, this type of treatment should always be done under a doctor's prescription and supervision.

• Punctal plugs: Punctal plugs are small devices that are inserted into the tear ducts to unblock tear drainage and keep the eyes lubricated. These devices may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of your condition.

• Endoret: Consists of applying the patient's own blood plasma in the form of drops. To do so, a small blood collection must be performed. Subsequently, by means of a centrifugation process, the plasma is separated from the red blood cells. This plasma is packaged in single-dose units that the patient will apply on a daily basis. It has been demonstrated that this plasma is rich in what are called PRGF growth factors, which have a great regenerative capacity and will help to improve the quality of the tear considerably.

• Thermotherapy: Many times the problem is caused because our tear does not contain the oily portion that characterizes it. This causes that only the watery part remains and, therefore, evaporates very easily. The glands in our eyelids (Meibomian glands) are in charge of secreting the oily part and can become obstructed. One way to free the obstruction is by applying direct heat and then applying gentle pressure to free the drainage channels.

• IPL pulsed light: This is the newest and most effective treatment that we have in our center. It consists in the application of a type of light that stimulates the secretion of the Meibomian glands, which improves the quality of tears. It may require more than one session (between 2 and 3) although we will notice the improvement from the first day. This treatment can be performed alone or in combination with thermotherapy.

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Preventing dry eye

Although it is not always possible to prevent dry eye, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing this condition. Some of these measures include:

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• Blink often: Blinking frequently can help lubricate your eyes and reduce tear evaporation. If you work in front of the computer or spend a lot of time reading, it is important to take regular breaks to blink and rest your eyes.

• ‍Watch out for screens: Correctly adjusting the brightness and contrast settings on our devices can go a long way toward reducing eye fatigue

• Maintain good eye hygiene: Maintaining good eye hygiene can help prevent eye infections and reduce the risk of dry eye. Use eyelid cleansing wipes, wash your hands frequently and especially avoid touching your eyes with dirty hands.

• Avoid irritating environmental factors: Avoiding irritating environmental factors, such as dry air and smoke, can help prevent dry eye. If you work in a dry or air-conditioned environment, it is important to take steps to keep your eyes lubricated and healthy, such as using humidifiers or artificial tears.

In conclusion, dry eye is a common eye condition that can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms and increase the risk of eye infections and other eye health problems. If you experience dry eye symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment. If you have any questions at Clinica Castanera we will be happy to help you.

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