Dry eyes. Causes and treatment, drops, what to do

Dry eyes there may be insufficient moisture, or excessive evaporation of moisture from the cornea. Dryness can provoke the manifestation of other unpleasant symptoms: redness, a feeling of a foreign body in the eye, burning, stinging. As a result, the person constantly rubs them, exacerbating the situation. This is an alarming symptom that requires attention. Ignoring discomfort can lead to the development of serious pathologies.

Definition of disease

Dry eyes is a syndrome characterized by insufficient moisture in the mucous membrane. The organ is protected by a film that prevents dust, harmful microparticles from entering the eyes and the penetration of pathogenic microflora. With a lack of nutrients, it becomes thin. In medicine, this phenomenon is called dry eye syndrome.

Types of violation, taking into account the cause of development:

• Syndromic. It develops as a result of a decrease in the production of fluid by the lacrimal glands, as a rule, it occurs against the background of pathologies of the endocrine system.
• Symptomatic. The reason is tissue dryness, which occurs as a result of anatomical disorders, for example, scarring of the lacrimal glands, as well as taking certain medications, using topical anesthesia. This category also includes a transient type of disorder that occurs in the presence of an inflammatory process or conjunctiva.
• Artificial. It is a consequence of prolonged stay at the computer, the influence of smoke and ultraviolet rays, the use of low-quality cosmetics and other external factors. In some cases, the disorder can be triggered by improper fitting of contact lenses. This type, in most cases, affects people whose professional activities are associated with working in front of a computer monitor.

The degree of disorder, taking into account the severity of the course:

• Lightweight. Patients feel a burning sensation, there is a change in visual acuity throughout the day, there is a feeling of fear of light, the presence of dust.
• Average. The following symptoms are noted: cramps, decreased visual acuity, reduced production of fluid by the lacrimal gland, the use of drops causes fear of bright light and painful syndrome.
• Heavy. The formation of funnel-shaped ulcerative foci is characteristic. There is a burning sensation, fear of light, a significant reduction in the fluid produced by the lacrimal gland, as well as a decrease in visual acuity.
• Extremely heavy. Visual acuity worsens. It is often observed in patients with a diagnosis of lagofatholm. The frequency of blinking decreases due to sticking of the eyelids.

The disease can manifest itself in different ways, but most often there is a burning sensation, when blinking a feeling of the presence of small particles. In some cases, there is reddening of the cornea, distortion of image perception.

As a result of insufficient hydration of the mucous membrane, spontaneous lacrimation may occur, which in turn leads to a runny nose and swelling of the nasopharynx. Deficiency of moisture and damage to the blood vessels of the eye increases the likelihood of infection. If you do not consult a doctor, then serious pathological processes may develop.

Causes of the disease

Dry eyes (the causes can be varied) appears in different cases. For the purpose of systematization, the reasons are divided into 2 groups: pathological conditions and external factors.

Pathological conditions

Reasons included in this group:

• Autoimmune pathologies. Dry eyes develop as a result of a failure in the identification of their own tissues by the cells of the immune system. As a result, she identifies them as alien. This leads to the development of a pathological immune response directed against healthy organs and tissues.
• Diseases of the hematopoietic system. The connection between dry eye syndrome and malignant diseases is explained by the development of paraneoplastic syndrome.
• Endocrine Disorders. Failure of the functioning of this system almost always leads to disruption of the work of several organs of one or more systems. Dry eye syndrome can develop during menopause, diabetes and hypothyroidism.
• Infectious pathologies. The prolonged course of tuberculosis, leprosy, HIV or cholera is accompanied by a syndrome of general intoxication, which accompanied by low-grade fever and a compensatory increase in the secretion of the lacrimal glands against the background of the lung syndrome. In rare cases, there is a depletion of the reserves of the lacrimal gland, in which the volume of the tear initially returns to normal, and then gradually decreases.
• Dermatological diseases. Among the skin pathologies that provoke the development of the disorder: neurodermatitis, ichthyosis of a congenital or acquired nature, herpetic dermatitis and others.

External factors

Dryness in the eyes (causes that act from the outside, capable of causing a dysfunction of the organ) occurs as a result of the following factors:

• violation of the regime of work and rest;
• long-term work in front of a computer monitor;
• frequent reading of books;
• using contact lenses of poor quality or oversized;
• dry indoor and outdoor air;
• vision correction with a laser;
• contaminated air;
• side effect from taking medication;
• the use of low-quality cosmetics;

  

• long stay under a fan or air conditioner.

Complications

If you ignore dryness in the eyes for a long time, the condition can worsen significantly and provoke the development of pathologies and impaired visual function, up to a complete loss of vision. A regularly drying out cornea is prone to the formation of ulcers and erosion on it, which subsequently leads to scarring, which negatively affects the quality of vision.

Improper functioning of the lacrimal glands reduces the ability of the eyes to cleanse itself. As a result, a favorable environment is formed on the surface of the mucous membrane for the penetration and reproduction of pathogenic microflora, causing the development of infections.

Possible complications:

• keratoconjunctivitis;
• thorn;
• ulcer, perforation and keratinization of the cornea;
• inflammation;
• blindness.

Timely and correct treatment will quickly relieve discomfort without any negative consequences. If the patient ignores dry eyes for a long time, the syndrome leads to inflammation of the cornea, and in the worst case, the rest of the eye tissues.

The composition and effect of drops for dry eyes

Dry eyes, the causes of which are in pathological processes and external factors, are eliminated by using drops. If symptoms occur during prolonged work with paper documents that require increased attention or at the computer, and there is no suspicion of a serious illness, you can pick up a moisturizer on one's own.

Most moisturizing drops for dry eyes contain the following substances:

• Povidone. Gives viscosity to the drops, enhancing hydration and application effect.
• Hyaluronic acid. Creates a homogeneous film by binding molecules together. Drops based on this substance are most effective due to their good compatibility with the mucous membrane of the eye. The drug, which contains hyaluronic acid, has a quick moisturizing effect, relieves burning sensation and other symptoms that accompany dry eyes. Drops have a minimum of contraindications.
• Cellulose polymers. Excellent moisture retention. Drops with this component are viscous or gel-like due to large molecules, which provides a longer moisturizing effect.

Such a composition is as close as possible to a natural tear. The product guarantees hydration and reduces the negative influence of external factors.

There are preparations with different additives: vitamins and minerals. Therefore, before buying drops, you need to study their composition, especially if the patient has an individual intolerance to certain components. You also need to familiarize yourself with the contraindications. Preparations for moisturizing the mucous membrane of the eye can be used periodically or daily.

How to choose eye drops

In addition to the composition, when choosing drops, it is necessary to take into account the volume of the tube. After opening the package, the eye drops have a very short shelf life. If the drug is rarely used, it is better to give preference to disposable tubes.

It is convenient to take them with you on the road or to work. If the drops are used constantly, it is recommended to buy a product in a bottle that has a special spout that acts as a pipette. It is designed in such a way that the contents will not spill even if you put the container in your purse.

Be sure to pay attention to the shelf life of the medication. Information can be found in the instructions or on the packaging. Expired drops are strictly prohibited to use.

It is not recommended to buy the drug in reserve. If drops are purchased for a child, it is necessary to study the instructions, which indicate at what age the drug can be used, or consult a pharmacist.

Before buying a product, it is recommended to consult an ophthalmologist. Only a doctor will be able to prescribe the most effective drug by conducting an examination and finding out the cause of dry eyes.

The best drops for treatment

Dryness in the eyes, the causes of which lie in the influence of external factors, or pathological processes, are eliminated with the help of medications.

Most effective eye drops:

• Natural tear. The composition of the product is as close as possible to a human tear. It has a moisturizing effect and relieves symptoms of inflammation.
• Visomitin. The drug has an antioxidant effect. Eliminates not only the symptoms of inflammation, but also restores the composition of the natural film of the mucous membrane of the eye.
• Vial. The drops contain tetrizoline. The substance has an anti-allergenic effect and relieves puffiness.
• Opt. The basis of the product is glycerol and sodium carmellozole.
• Wizmed. At the heart of the drug is sodium hyaluronate. Restores the film that protects the mucous membrane of the eyes and compensates for the deficiency of fluid produced by the lacrimal gland.
• Hilo chest of drawers. A preparation based on hyaluronic acid. The tool effectively helps with prolonged work in front of the monitor.
• Vidisik. It contains a hydrophilic polymer - an artificial analogue of the natural tear film. Drops effectively moisturize the mucous membranes of the eyes and form a protective film.
• Inox. Hypoallergenic drops of plant origin. The preparation contains extracts of various medicinal plants.
• Oxial. The main components of the solution are boric and hyaluronic acid with the addition of various trace elements.
• Likontin. Isotonic drops. The medication effectively removes signs of irritation.
• Hilozar chest of drawers. The base of moisturizing drops is dexpanthenol and sodium hyaluronate. Recommended when using contact lenses from different manufacturers.
• Systain-Ultra. The product contains polydronium chloride. The drug can be used without removing contact lenses.

Regardless of the composition, almost all eye drops for dry eyes are used according to the same scheme. But it is worth noting that when diagnosing a certain eye pathology, the dosage and method of using the drug is determined by the attending physician. In most cases, it is determined taking into account the course of the disease.

Before instilling the product, it is imperative to wash your hands so as not to infect your eyes. If this is not possible, it is recommended to treat them with an antiseptic.

Before opening the bottle with drops, it is important to make sure that the solution is not expired, and also has no sediment.

Technique of use:

1. Open the container with the drug, prepare a cotton pad or napkin in advance.
2. Tilt your head back and bring the dispenser to the surface of the eye, stepping back 3 cm. Make sure that it does not come into contact with the eyelashes or the edge of the eyelids.
3. Pull the lower eyelid slightly so that it moves away from the mucous membrane of the eye.
4. Look up.
5. Place 1-2 drops in each eye.

The tool is recommended to be used no more than 4 times per day. At the end of the procedure, blink slightly and close your eyes. Wait 2 minutes. Gently blot the eye with a tissue. It is strongly unacceptable to scratch or rub. Eye drops can be used for children under 6 years of age only in the presence of a doctor.

Folk remedies

Some traditional medicines have proven to be effective in eliminating the manifestations of dry eye syndrome. It should be understood that they cannot increase the volume of lacrimal fluid and change the organic defects of the lacrimal ducts and eyes. The effect of folk remedies is a metabolic and antiseptic effect on the mucous membrane of the eye. They are used as an additional method to traditional drug therapy for certain eye pathologies.

The most effective traditional medicines for dry eyes:

• Infusion of marshmallow medicinal. Apply a remedy for conjunctivitis. To relieve the intensity of the inflammatory process, as well as to disinfect, lotions from the infusion of medicinal marshmallow will help. To prepare the tincture, you need to take 1-2 tbsp. l. chopped plant and pour 1 glass of boiling water. Cover and leave for 8 hours. Every 3 hours, soak cotton swabs with the resulting infusion and apply lotions to the eyelids.
• Infusion of hop cones and blueberry leaves. Possesses excellent metabolic properties. To prepare the product, take 25 g of crushed plants and pour 1 glass of boiling water. Consume 2 - 3 sips orally 3 - 4 times a day 30 minutes before meals.
• Rosehip infusion. Used in the formation of purulent masses on the surface of the eye. Place in a thermos 100-200 g of rose hips, pour boiling water, close tightly and leave for 6 hours. Wipe your eyes with a cotton swab dipped in the resulting solution.
• Decoction of chamomile, sage and calendula. Used to wash the eyes. The tool relieves pain and eliminates the sensation of the presence of sand in the eyes.
• St. John's wort decoction. Effective for viral conjunctivitis. Applied in the form of a decoction topically and inside, 2 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals, or an hour after meals.

Before using any traditional medicine, you must consult with a specialist so as not to aggravate the situation.

Dry eye syndrome, in most cases, has a chronic course. Regular appointments with an ophthalmologist can help relieve symptoms as they arise. With the formation of complications, it will be difficult to get rid of discomfort in the eyes. In this situation, it is extremely important to constantly be monitored by a doctor, to eliminate the causes in a timely manner and begin treatment. Therefore, as soon as discomfort arises, it is necessary not to delay the visit to the doctor.

It is much easier to cure pathology at the initial stage of development. In addition, it will prevent the development of serious complications. It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate, as this can cause serious consequences, including blindness. It is important to be attentive to your health and promptly respond to the appearance of even the slightest discomfort.

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