Keratoconjunctivitis dry (Keratitis dry; Dry Eye Syndrome)
What is dry eye syndrome?
Кератоконъюнктивит – состояние, wherein the membrane on the surface of the eye, which is called the conjunctiva, It becomes red and inflamed. The most common form of this disease is keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye syndrome). The disease occurs, when the surface of the eye becomes dry due to the absence or lack of tears, moisturizing eye.
Dry eye syndrome causes
There are two main reasons, cause keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The first of these is, that stands out from the tear ducts insufficient amount of tears, moisturizing eye, whereby the front surface of the eye (conjunctivitis) Dries.
Besides, the amount of tears can be sufficient, but they evaporate too quickly. In this case, tears can not cover the entire surface of the eye.
Risk factors for dry eye syndrome
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is more common in women. Factors, which may increase the likelihood of keratoconjunctivitis sicca include:
- With age, the production of tears decreases, This factor is common for older people, so they often there is some degree of dryness in the eyes;
- Some chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren syndrome;
- Some medications, such as:
- Diuretics;
- Beta Blockers;
- Antihistamines;
- Rarely: Vitamin A deficiency can have some influence on the development of keratoconjunctivitis sicca or other serious eye problems;
- Operation with it by using a laser vision correction, eg, LASIK.
Dry eye syndrome symptoms
The main symptom of keratoconjunctivitis sicca is discomfort in the eyes. This soreness can range from mild to severe. Some other symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca include:
- Burning sensation, itching or the presence of a foreign body in the eye;
- Sensitivity to light;
- Redness or irritation of the conjunctiva;
- Discomfort in the presence of contact lenses.
In most cases only causes discomfort keratoconjunctivitis. Nonetheless, in severe cases, dry eye can damage the cornea. В этом случае существует риск развития слепоты – необратимой потери зрения.
The diagnosis of dry eye
Чаще всего диагноз сухой кератоконъюнктивит ставит окулист – врач, who specializes in diseases of the eye. The causes of discomfort can be identified using specialized equipment, allowing a closer look at the surface of the eye.
Special tests may include:
- Исследование глаз с помощью щелевой лампы – офтальмолог может использовать специальный источник света под названием щелевая лампа или биомикроскоп, to examine the degree of wetting the surface of the eye;
- Окрашивание – офтальмолог может использовать специальную краску для оценки состояния передней поверхности глаза;
- Проба Ширмера для сухих глаз – этот тест включает размещение небольшого кусочка бумаги в конъюнктивальный мешок нижнего века, for output estimation lacrimal fluid.
Dry eye syndrome treatment
Treatment for keratoconjunctivitis sicca is often simple and very effective. This includes maintaining the eye moist and stimulation of natural tear production. Methods of treatment of dry eye include:
- Глазные капли – также известны как искусственные слезы, imitating natural eye tears. They provide relief of discomfort, caused by dry keratoconjunctivitis, and help maintain the natural moisture of the eye;
- Глазные мази – похожи на искусственные слезы, but there are longer, than eyedrops. They are used for eye moisturizing in severe cases, keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Nonetheless, due to its structure may cause blurring of. For this reason, they are usually used at night, before bedtime;
- Закрытия протока слезного канальца пробками – в некоторых случаях может быть полезно поместить крошечную пробку из силикона или коллагена, to reduce the outflow of tears from the surface of the eye. It's pretty quick and painless procedure. Often, your doctor may place a temporary plug, to ensure its effectiveness. By reducing the symptoms set constant probka.Inogda doctor may also permanently close the tear tubule with a laser or cautery;
- Eye drops, отпускаемые по рецепту врача – иногда используются циклоспориновые глазные капли, allowing to increase the production of tears. This medication should be taken twice a day, everyday. Usually, there is a marked improvement after a few weeks or months;
- Пищевые добавки – некоторые исследования показывают снижение сухости глаз после добавления в рацион омега-3 жирных кислот.
Prevention of keratoconjunctivitis sicca
Keratoconjunctivitis sicca not be prevented. However, you can prevent the complications of keratoconjunctivitis sicca, infections such as. To reduce the risk of the disease worsening:
- Старайтесь избегать очень сухой окружающей среды – печи и кондиционеры могут осушать воздух, and the tears evaporate too quickly. You can use a humidifier, to prevent dry eyes;
- Пыль и дым могут ухудшить симптомы сухого кератоконъюнктивита – если возможно, you need to limit the exposure of the eye irritants;
- Избегайте длительного напряжения зрения – длительная работа за компьютером, driving, TV viewing and reading may worsen symptoms;
- Используйте искусственные слезы – это важно для предотвращения высыхания поверхности глаз.
In most cases it is not severe keratoconjunctivitis Disease, only causing irritation, and presenting a real danger to the eye. Nonetheless, it is important to perform the assessment and diagnosis of disorders, to prevent a dangerous impact of the disease.