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A.Vogel Eye Drops
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Dry Eyes: Causes, Symptoms, and What Helps
Dry eyes can burn, itch, appear red, or feel tired and irritated. This is often caused by a disruption in the tear film. Working at a computer, dry indoor air, wind, dust, contact lenses, hormonal changes, or aging can contribute to these symptoms.
If you know what triggers the problem, you can take specific steps to relieve eye strain in your daily life. Moisturizing eye drops can also help lubricate the surface of the eye and relieve the sensation of dryness.
Typical Symptoms of Dry Eyes
Dry eyes do not always present the same symptoms. Common symptoms include:
- Burning
- Itching
- Redness
- Tears
- tired or strained eyes
- Foreign body sensation
- Light sensitivity
- faster exposure
- irritated eyelids
- increased rubbing of the eyes
Watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eyes. If the tear film is disrupted, the eye may respond by producing more tears. However, these tears often do not adequately moisten the surface of the eye.
Why Do Eyes Get Dry?
The surface of the eye is protected by a thin tear film. This film keeps the eye moist, nourishes the front layers of the cornea, protects against foreign bodies, and ensures that the eyelid glides smoothly over the surface of the eye.
The tear film consists of several layers. A mucous layer lies directly on the cornea. Above that is an aqueous layer. On the outside, a thin lipid film protects against excessive evaporation.
If the composition or distribution of the tear film is disrupted, the surface of the eye can become dry. This results in dry, irritated, or tired eyes. Medically, this is also known as dry eye or Sicca syndrome.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Dry eyes can be caused by various internal and external factors. Common triggers include:
- prolonged computer use
- dry air from heating or air conditioning systems
- Wind, dust, smoke, or exhaust fumes
- Pollen and air containing allergens
- Contact Lenses
- Air travel with very dry cabin air
- glaring sunlight
- not blinking enough
- insufficient fluid intake
- advancing age
- hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatism, thyroid disorders, or inflammatory vascular diseases, can also contribute to dry eyes. Similarly, certain medications can affect the eyes, including antidepressants, beta-blockers, hormone medications, sleep aids, and allergy medications.
If dry eyes occur repeatedly, are severe, or are accompanied by other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Screen Time and Dry Eyes
When we’re focused on screen work, we often blink much less frequently. Normally, the eye is regularly moistened by blinking. If we blink less, the tear film doesn’t spread as well across the surface of the eye. The eyes can dry out more quickly and feel tired or irritated.
In addition, dry indoor air, glare on the screen, an improper monitor position, or not taking enough breaks can strain the eyes. This set of symptoms is often referred to as “office eye syndrome.”
What helps with dry eyes in everyday life?
Even small changes can help relieve eye strain.
Tips for Working at a Computer
- Position the screen slightly below eye level
- Maintain a distance of about 50 to 70 centimeters
- Avoid Glare and Reflections
- blink more often on purpose
- Take short breaks regularly
- look off into the distance every now and then
- Briefly shield your closed eyes with your hands, without applying pressure to your eyelids
Tips for Indoor Climate and Everyday Life
- Ventilate rooms regularly
- Make sure the humidity is adequate
- Avoid drafts and cigarette smoke
- drink enough
- Get some fresh air regularly
- Wear sunglasses when it's windy, sunny, or there's pollen in the air
- Have contact lenses fitted to ensure they are well-tolerated if you experience discomfort
Especially when working at a screen for long periods, in dry, heated air, or in air-conditioned rooms, it’s a good idea to consciously give your eyes regular breaks.
Eye Drops for Dry Eyes
For dry and irritated eyes, lubricating eye drops can help replenish the natural tear film. They moisturize the surface of the eye and can relieve symptoms such as a feeling of dryness, burning, or irritation.
When choosing eye drops, good tolerability is important. Preservative-free eye drops are particularly suitable if your eyes are sensitive or if you use the drops frequently. An eye-friendly pH level and good duration of lubrication are also important criteria.
Hyaluronic acid for eye lubrication
Hyaluronic acid is a substance produced naturally by the body that can bind large amounts of water. In the eye, it forms an even film of moisture on the surface, helping to protect the eye from drying out.
That is why hyaluronic acid is often used in moisturizing eye drops. It helps keep the surface of the eye evenly moistened and can provide relief for dry, tired, or irritated eyes.
When should you see a doctor about dry eyes?
Dry eyes are often harmless, but they can be very uncomfortable. It’s a good idea to see a doctor if the symptoms persist for a long time, recur frequently, or are very severe.
Seek medical advice if you also experience the following symptoms:
- Pain
- severe redness
- Deterioration of vision
- purulent discharge
- severe sensitivity to light
- Symptoms Following Eye Surgery
- Problems with Contact Lenses
- known underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatism, or thyroid disorders
Even if medications are a possible cause, this should be discussed with a healthcare professional.