
What is dry eye?
14 April 2022
Dry eye is a complex and multifactorial chronic disease that affects the ocular surface and causes discomfort, vision problems and, in some cases, damage to the cornea and conjunctiva.
It is a syndrome that affects about 30% of the population and requires individualized diagnosis and treatment. There are many causes and types of dry eye. It is often caused by insufficient tear production or excessive tear evaporation, or due to problems such as dysfunction of the Meibomian glands (lack of or change in the lipids that make up tears) or blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids).
Major risk factors for dry eye include:
- Hormones (adolescence/menopause).
- Old age
- Wearing contact lenses
- Taking antidepressants and antihistamines (allergies)
- Treatment with chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Environmental factors (air conditioning, heating, dry or very polluted environments...)
- Diet (vitamin deficiency)
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Early detection of dry eye through routine examinations by an ophthalmologist -especially if you have any risk factors- is important to act early on its symptoms and avoid the possible consequences of the disease.
Once diagnosed, it is also advisable to have regular check-ups, every 3 to 6 months, or the visits indicated by the specialist to apply the appropriate treatments.