Dry eye
Dry eye is a multifactorial complex and chronic disease affecting the ocular surface. It causes vision problems and in some cases injuries to the cornea and conjunctiva.
Tear production naturally decreases as we age and can occur in both men and women.
Cause
The causes that cause it are very different:
- Decreased function of the lacrimal glands, causing less tear production, may be due to either a lack of tears or gland dysfunction (Meibomian)
- Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelid)
- Use of contact lenses
- Treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- If you have had eye surgery
- Environmental factors (air conditioning, heating, dry or highly polluted environment)
- Nutrition (vitamin deficiency)
- Medicines (Consumption of antidepressants and antihistamines, etc.)
- Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome and other diseases)
- Chemical or thermal burns
- Menopause
Symptoms
- Decreased visual acuity
- Foreign body sensation or burning in the eyes
- Itching
- Conjunctival redness (severe eye irritation from smoke or wind)
- Tearing
Treatment
There are different types of dry eye that are important to correctly identify through an eye exam and specific diagnostic tests to have an effective treatment.
The treatment should be that of the underlying disease causing it.