Ophthalmology

Symptoms of dry eyes

The most common symptoms that show dry eyes are:

Feeling of dryness
Foreign body sensation
Grain of sand feeling
Eye fatigue
Burning eyes
Redness of the eyes
Photosensitivity
Limited wearing comfort of contact lenses
watery eyes
Eye pain

About everyone fifth patientAn ophthalmologist treated in Germany, Austria and Switzerland complains about the Symptoms how Grain of sand-/Feeling of dryness in mind, about Eye fatigue, Burning eyes or watery eyes.

The diagnosis "dry eyes“Can then quickly from Ophthalmologist and the complaints are now also known in the pharmacy, as the dry eye can now be counted among the common ailments due to its diverse causes.

A distinction is made between the dry, the irritated and the allergic eyeThe symptoms are very similar, but the cause is different.

At the irritated eye However, the symptoms only occur in comparison to dry eyes acute and short term on.

At the allergic eye it depends on the Allergens, such as Pollen or Animal hair, to seasonal or year-round complaints. The nose is usually affected and the eyes (and nose) are treated with anti-allergic drugs (Antihistamines called).

The irritated eye however is with vasoconstricting eye drops treated ("Whitener“), Which in the classic dry eyes to a Worsening of symptoms would lead.

It is therefore important that the exact reasons for dry eyes and complaints be clarified by the ophthalmologist so that a targeted therapy can be done.

The tear film - benefit

Apart from the pleasant relaxing feeling and that easier gliding of the Eyelids over the eye, he has Tear film many additional tasks that explain why it is so important that a dry eye is identified and treated as quickly as possible before it closes chronic damage at the Cornea can come.

Tasks of the tear film

Moisturizing the cornea
Humidification of the conjunctiva
Supply of oxygen
Supply of nutrients
Defense against bacteria and Viruses by the enzymes and antibodies it contains
Flushing out dust and other foreign bodies

Composition of the tear film

Of the Tear film is made up of one mucous, one watery and one fatty portion together.

The mucous component is in directly on the Surface of the eye and equals by their consistency small bumps on the cornea and conjunctiva out. In addition, she ensures that the otherwise water-repellent surface the cornea water-attracting in order to make the adjacent aqueous portion of the tear film adherent to the cornea.

The aqueous component is the greatest proportion of the Tear fluid and contains Enzymes, Egg whites and antibody.

The whole outer, fatty component the tear fluid preventedthat from Tear film evaporated too much or runs down over the edge of the eyelid.

The various parts of the tear film are formed in the large lacrimal gland below the outer eyebrow arch and in numerous small glands around the edge of the eyelid and the conjunctiva.