Dry eyes: symptoms, causes and treatment
Dry eyes are a common problem that affects many people. They occur when the tear fluid no longer sufficiently moisturizes the eyes or when the composition of the tear fluid is altered.
Symptoms of dry eyes
The symptoms of dry eyes can be very different and vary from person to person. The most common symptoms include
- Burning and itching: An unpleasant burning or itching sensation in the eyes is often the first sign of dry eyes.
- Foreign body sensation: The feeling of having a grain of sand in your eye is also typical.
- Redness: The eyes may be red and irritated.
- Sensitivity to light: Strong light can increase the symptoms.
- Tired eyes: Dry eyes often lead to a feeling of tiredness and can impair visual acuity.
- Swollen eyelids: In some cases, the eyelids can also swell.
- Sticky eyelids: The eyelids can be particularly sticky in the morning.
Causes of dry eyes
There are many causes of dry eyes. The most common include
- Age: Tear production often decreases with increasing age.
- Environmental factors: Dry air, wind, air conditioning and heating can dry out the eyes.
- Medication: Certain medications, such as antihistamines or blood pressure medication, can lead to dry eyes.
- Contact lenses: Wearing contact lenses can interfere with natural tear production.
- Eye diseases: Diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome or certain eye inflammations can also cause dry eyes.
- Screen work: Working at a computer or smartphone for long periods of time leads to reduced blinking and thus to reduced lubrication of the eyes.
Treatment of dry eyes
The treatment of dry eyes depends on the cause and severity of the symptoms. Possible measures include
- Artificial tears: Eye drops or gels can replace the missing tear fluid.
- Moisture chambers: Special glasses or contact lenses can reduce the evaporation of tear fluid.
- Therapies: Heat or cold compresses can provide relief