What is Dry Eye Syndrome (DES)?

Technological progress opens up a lot of possibilities – we can do a lot of things online, at any time convenient to us, without even leaving home. However, like everything else, it also has its negative sides – some of us leave the office after 8 hours of work in front of the computer only to spend another couple of hours in front of the screen at home. Despite the convenience, such a solution is absolutely not conducive to our eyesight. It is also worrying that ailments from Dry Eye Syndrome are increasingly affecting younger people and even children.

What is also worrying is the fact that ailments caused by Dry Eye Syndrome increasingly often affect younger people and even children.

Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome

• dryness of the surface of the eye,
• burning sensation, sandy gritty sensation under the eyelids,
• redness of the conjunctiva,
• swollen eyelids,
• blurred vision.

 It is worth mentioning that the above symptoms may develop in people who spend too much time in front of a computer screen and hence blink less frequently, which leads to tear film dysfunction.

Consequently, these symptoms may be mistaken for ordinary fatigue. How is it possible to distinguish between the symptoms of DES and the symptoms of fatigue then? In case of DES, the symptoms are permanent and are characterised by various intensity depending on the stage of the condition. In some cases the symptoms may even prevent normal functioning.

What factors promote the development of DES?

• the age above 40,
• hormonal changes, hormonal contraception,
• air pollution or air conditioning,
• wearing contact lenses
• smoking cigarettes,
• swimming in chlorinated water (e.g. in a swimming pool),
• long-term work in front of a computer screen,
• systemic diseases, such as diabetes, thyroid diseases, rheumatic diseases, collagenosis, carcinomas.

Treatment methods for Dry Eye Syndrome

DES is usually treated symptomatically. The treatment allows to restore proper functioning of the tear film on the surface of the eye through replenishing its quantitative or qualitative deficiencies.

Pharmacological treatment – often in the form of eye drops, so called artificial tears, or liposomal spray. The choice of a particular product depends on which layer of the tear film is affected by abnormality.

Lacrimal plugs – miniature implants inserted into the tear duct entrances (puncta) or into the tear ducts (canaliculi) themselves in order to prevent drainage of tears. The plugs can be divided into:

• temporary plugs - synthetic, canalicular implants, especially recommended to people with temporarily disrupted tear film secretion; such plugs break down and become resorbed within 12-16 weeks.
• permanent plugs - made of silicone, punctal implants used in case of patients with long-term DES symptoms of high intensity; if the eye condition improves, the implants may be permanently removed.

Implants are inserted under local anaesthesia, in an outpatient mode, in a doctor’s office. In the ArtLife Ophtalmologic Centre the procedure is performed by dr IzabelaJonas-Sabiniewicz – doctor of medicine, ophthalmologist, ophthalmic surgeon.

DES and laser vision correction

For some time after a laser vision correction surgery, the eyes are prone to drying out, which is why it is necessary to apply eye drops as often as it has been recommended by the ophthalmologist.

Therefore, Dry Eye Syndrome constitutes a contraindication to performing a refractive surgical procedure since it has a negative impact on the regeneration of the cornea by hindering its healing process.

If you have noticed any of the previously mentioned symptoms and you are not certain whether you are not suffering from Dry Eye Syndrome, make an appointment for a specialist ophthalmologic examination and learn how to prevent this condition and improve your life comfort. You can do it by filling in an online form available on our website under the contact tab, or by calling the Centre.

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