Dry Eye Syndrome

What is Dry Eye Syndrom?

At all times our eyeballs are protected by tears or tear film. Tear film is the first defense that protects the surface of our eyeball from exposure to dust and microorganisms including bacteria and viruses. The tear film also keeps the surface of our ball moist and prevents it from coming between our eyelids and our surface.

Dry eye or dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the tear film is unstable in terms of quantity and quality so that it loses its ability to protect the surface of the eye. Decreased tear production or volatile tears can lead to decreased tear volume and instability. from mild eye irritation to severe inflammation and even adhesions and scarring to the eye surface in chronic conditions.

Dry eye syndrome A rare condition, patients often go to the ophthalmologist for complaints of dry eyes. In the United States, nearly 50% of citizens aged 18 years and over experience symptoms of dry eye syndrome.

What are the symptoms of dry eye syndrome?

Some of the symptoms of dry eye syndrome that can be complained of include:

• Eyes feel sore and painful sensation
• Itchy and dry eyes
• Sticky eyelids when you wake up
• Eyes feel heavy and sore
• Red eyes easily
• Eyes often discharge dirt
• Sensitivity to light (easily glare or photophobia)
• Blurred or unfocused vision that returns after blinking
• Sensation of a foreign body (such as grit) in the eyeball
• Watery eyes

This may sound strange, but the irritated surface of the eye and the lack of tears will trigger the tear glands to produce more, a condition known as "reflex tearing". However, the tears produced remain unstable to cope with dry eyes so that this watery feeling occurs continuously.

What factors can trigger someone to experience dry eye syndrome?

Several factors can trigger dry eye syndrome, including:

• Activity with computer
• When we work in front of a computer or smartphone or other digital device, the eyes have a tendency to blink less often. This situation triggers greater tear evaporation and increases the risk of dry eye syndrome.
• Use of contact lenses
• The presence of contact lenses on the surface of the eye will more or less disrupt the stability of the tears and cause thinning of the tear film. As a result, tears become more volatile and cause symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
• aging process
• Dry eye syndrome can occur at any age, but the incidence of dry eye syndrome becomes more common with age, especially over the age of 50 years.
• Menopause
• Postmenopausal women have a higher risk of dry eye syndrome than men of the same age.
• Indoor environment
• Air-conditioned rooms or fans have low humidity levels, this condition can accelerate tear evaporation and cause dry eye complaints.
• Outdoor environment
• People who live in areas with dry and windy climates and environments may also be at risk for dry eye syndrome.
• Other health conditions
• The presence of other health problems, such as diabetes, thyroid, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren's syndrome, can cause dry eye syndrome.
• Use of drugs
• Long-term consumption of certain drugs such as antihistamines (allergic drugs), antidepressants, certain types of blood pressure-lowering drugs, can increase the risk of developing dry eye syndrome. Likewise, the use of eye drops with preservatives if used for a long time can increase the risk of dry eye syndrome.
• Eyelid problems
• Eyelids that cannot close completely when blinking or sleeping can cause excessive tear evaporation and dryness of the eyeball surface
• Smoke

What are the dangers of dry eye syndrome if left untreated?

Dry eye syndrome is often considered a trivial and ordinary condition due to tired eyes due to daily activities, and is often ignored.

At first, dry eye syndrome may not cause serious conditions, but it can interfere with daily activities and work, reduce quality of life, and lead to dependence or the need for eye drops. If dry eye syndrome continues, more severe complications can occur, such as a corneal infection (also called keratitis or corneal ulcer) which can lead to permanent damage if not treated promptly. Or dry eye syndrome can also cause repeated infections of the lining of the eye (conjunctivitis), or even severe inflammation that causes adhesions to the entire surface of the eyeball.

How do I know if I have dry eye syndrome or not?

If you experience some of the symptoms as mentioned above and are in one of the trigger conditions, then you should consult with our team of doctors at JEC.

Examination by an ophthalmologist is very necessary to determine the degree of dry eye syndrome you are experiencing in order to determine treatment options.

Don't let dry eye syndrome become severe and interfere with your daily activities and quality of life. For those of you who still want to know more about what tests can be done for dry eye syndrome and also its treatment, stay tuned for the next article.