Dry eye crisis: lively eyes gradually lose their luster!

Author: Liu Xiangnan, Shanghai Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Medical University

Reviewer: Zhang Rui, Associate Professor, Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University

In today's world where electronic products are prevalent, we work and live surrounded by computers, mobile phones, and televisions every day, and our eyes are also silently under heavy pressure. Especially in the dry winter, in the air-conditioned room, the dry eye crisis is gradually making our smart eyes lose their luster. Today, let's learn about "Sjogren's Syndrome" together.

1. What is dry eye?

Xerophthalmia is an eye disease caused by tear gland secretion disorder with dry eyes as the main symptom. It is not simply dry eyes, but a type of disease caused by insufficient tear secretion, excessive evaporation or abnormal tear composition, which leads to eye discomfort symptoms and visual dysfunction such as dry eyes, foreign body sensation, burning sensation, fatigue, photophobia, etc.

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2. The troubles caused by dry eyes

In the early stages of the disease, xerophthalmia may only manifest as mild eye dryness and discomfort, which can be easily ignored. As the disease worsens, dry eyes, pain, and foreign body sensation can make people feel extremely uncomfortable, affecting our daily lives and work efficiency. If left untreated for a long time, it can cause more serious problems such as decreased vision and eye inflammation, and may affect emotional and mental health, making people irritable and anxious.

3. Risk factors for dry eye syndrome

——Environmental factors: Long-term exposure to dry, windy, air-conditioned environments, or places with severe air pollution will accelerate the evaporation of tears and cause dry eyes.

——Eye habits: Wearing contact lenses for a long time, using electronic devices, reading, driving, etc. will reduce the number of blinks, resulting in insufficient tear secretion and excessive evaporation.

——Age factors: As we age, the function of our tear glands gradually declines, especially older women who are more prone to dry eyes due to changes in hormone levels.

——Certain diseases: such as meibomian gland dysfunction, Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, etc., can affect the secretion and quality of tears, thereby causing dry eye syndrome.

——Eye surgery: such as cataract surgery, laser myopia correction surgery, etc., may damage the ocular surface tissue, destroy the stability of the tear film, and cause dry eye symptoms after surgery.

——Other factors: Long-term abuse of eye drops, lack of sleep, mental stress and other factors may also lead to the occurrence of dry eye syndrome.

4. Treatment of dry eyes

Physical therapy

Hot compress: Applying a warm towel or hot eye mask to your eyes can relieve dry eyes.

Massage: Massage the meibomian glands to improve oil blockage that affects tear quality.

Eye fumigation: Use specific fumigation equipment to fumigate the eyes with medicated vapor to relieve symptoms such as dry eyes and fatigue.

Laser therapy device: Operated by medical staff, it can improve meibomian gland function and tear quality.

Drug treatment

Artificial tears: Artificial tears are placed in the eyes. This is the most commonly used treatment. Artificial tears can simulate the composition of human tears, moisturize the eyes, and relieve dryness.

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Anti-inflammatory drugs and hormone drugs: mainly used to reduce inflammation of the ocular surface, especially suitable for patients with dry eye caused by inflammation.

Drugs that promote tear secretion: For patients with severe tear deficiency, drugs that promote tear secretion may be needed.

——Surgery

It is mainly used for patients with severe dry eye syndrome who have not responded to other treatments.

5. How to prevent dry eyes in daily life?

- Reduce the time of using electronic devices: Staring at electronic screens for a long time will reduce the number of times you blink, causing tears to evaporate too quickly. You should take a 10-minute break after using your eyes for 1 hour. You can take measures such as closing your eyes, looking into the distance, and doing eye exercises to relax your eyes.

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——Increase blinking frequency: Consciously blinking more often can help maintain the stability of the tear film and relieve dry eye symptoms.

——Avoid being in an adverse environment for a long time: For example, in a dry, windy, or smoky environment, you can use a humidifier, wear protective glasses, etc. to reduce tear evaporation.

——Use eye drops correctly: If the doctor prescribes eye drops such as artificial tears, use them correctly according to the doctor's instructions. Store them carefully to avoid contamination.

——Wear contact lenses correctly: For people who wear contact lenses frequently, it is important to choose suitable lenses, pay attention to the cleaning and disinfection of the lenses, and avoid wearing them for long periods of time.

——Reduce the use of eye cosmetics: Try to reduce the use of eye cosmetics, especially mascara, eye shadow and other products that can easily enter the eyes, to avoid cosmetic residues that irritate the eyes.

——Develop good living habits: Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to increase vitamin intake, especially vitamin A. Drink more water to keep the body hydrated, which helps maintain normal tear secretion. Ensure adequate sleep, as lack of sleep will affect eye health.

Although dry eye syndrome is not a blinding disease, it can seriously affect our quality of life. Let us stay away from the troubles of dry eye syndrome and have healthy and bright eyes.