What causes dry eyes?

The eyes are an important part of the human body and their main function is to enable people to see a variety of things. The eyes are also relatively fragile and prone to disease. For example, many people have symptoms of dry and sour eyes, which is most likely caused by dry eye syndrome. If dry eye syndrome is not treated in time, it can cause great harm to the eyes. Below is a detailed introduction to the causes and treatments of dry eyes.

1. Causes of dry eyes

Recent studies suggest that changes in the ocular surface, immune-based inflammatory responses, cell apoptosis, and changes in sex hormone levels are related factors in the occurrence and development of dry eye, but the relationship between these factors is not yet clear. Causes can be divided into four categories:

1. Insufficient tear secretion from the aqueous lacrimal gland

It is the most common cause of dry eyes; congenital absence of tear glands, decreased tear gland function due to senility, or some autoimmune diseases causing tear gland inflammation, trauma, infection, autonomic nervous system disorders, long-term use of certain eye drops or taking certain medications can cause insufficient tear secretion; long-term wear of contact lenses.

2. Insufficient secretion of the oil layer

Meibomian gland dysfunction due to eyelid disease.

3. Insufficient secretion of mucin layer

People with vitamin A1 deficiency, chronic conjunctivitis, chemical burns, etc.

4. Excessive tear evaporation and uneven tear film distribution

Eyelid diseases can cause poor eyelid closure, reduced blinking, and prolonged stays in air-conditioned rooms or in windy, hot outdoor environments.

Treatment of dry eyes

Dry eye disease is a chronic disease that usually requires long-term treatment. If dry eyes are caused by excessive tear evaporation due to eyelid exposure, eyelid reconstruction surgery should be performed at the right time based on the condition.

1. Local treatment

(1) To eliminate the triggering factors, one should avoid using the computer for a long time and reduce exposure to air conditioning, smoke and dusty environments, etc.; those with meibomian gland dysfunction should pay attention to cleaning the eyelids and applying antibiotics.

(2) Tear component replacement therapy uses autologous serum or artificial tears. Severe patients should try to use artificial tears without preservatives.

(3) To prolong the residence time of tears on the ocular surface, wet chamber lenses, silicone eye masks, therapeutic corneal contact lenses, etc. can be used.

(4) Avoid taking other drugs that can reduce tear secretion, such as antihypertensive drugs, antidepressants, atropine analogs, etc.; for types involving immune factors, immunosuppressants or short-term local use of hormones; surgical treatment, etc.

2. Systemic treatment

The main purpose is to improve the patient's nutritional status and prevent secondary infection. Eat foods rich in vitamin A, such as milk, eggs, and vegetables containing carotene; take cod liver oil orally, etc.

There is currently no effective treatment. To reduce pain, saline, artificial tears or antibiotic eye ointment can be frequently instilled; or electrocautery can be used to close small tear points to reduce tear outflow. Blepharoplasty may be done for dry eyes caused by incomplete eyelid closure.