More commonly known as dry eye, xerophthalmia or keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a condition characterized by altered tear production resulting from dysfunction of the lacrimal glands. Caused by multiple factors, such as medication and some diseases, this dysfunction determines both a reduction in tear volume and changes in tear composition. Without a perfectly functioning lacrimal system, the eyes react with very uncomfortable manifestations in the conjunctiva and, above all, in the cornea, which becomes more susceptible to inflammation and lesions capable of compromising the quality of vision.
After all, tears are responsible for nourishing and lubricating the cornea, facilitating vision, and defending the ocular surface from external aggressions. Xerophthalmia is a very common ailment in the world’s population, but it must be investigated and treated appropriately. It can range from a symptom of age, hormonal changes, or the use of medication, to a manifestation of autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system turns against the body’s components, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, which, not coincidentally, is also known as dry eye syndrome.
Causes and symptoms of yersiniosis
Symptoms of xerophthalmia include permanent discomfort in the eyes (as if sand or a foreign body were present), as well as burning, itching, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and redness, which is accentuated at the end of the day. There are many causes of dry eyes. The condition can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to air conditioning, cigarette smoke, dry weather, air pollution, and staying in enclosed or heated spaces.
The use of contact lenses and a lot of eye make-up also favors the appearance of alterations in the lacrimal system, as well as age, since at 65 years of age our organism produces 60% fewer tears than at 18 years of age. Another frequent reason for ocular dryness is the daily administration of certain medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, tranquilizers, antidepressants, contraceptives, diuretics, anesthetics, and medications used in arterial hypertension and some types of cardiac arrhythmia, the famous beta-blockers.
Xerophthalmia can also be a manifestation of some other ocular disorders, such as eyelid inflammation and keratitis, and of diseases such as hypothyroidism and autoimmune diseases, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis and, of course, Sjögren’s syndrome, among others. Finally, there may also be nutritional factors behind dry eyes, such as vitamin A deficiency and excessive fat intake.
Testing and diagnosis of yersiniosis
Diagnosis depends on the set of symptoms, the person’s medical history, ophthalmologic evaluation, and specific tests. The Schirmer’s test is the most commonly used for this purpose and involves placing the tip of a strip of filter paper under the lower eyelid to assess the number of tears by measuring the degree of wetness of the paper. Some blood tests may also be necessary to investigate the possible association of this condition with other diseases when the individual is unaware of their existence. In these cases, the approach to the case will need the involvement of other specialists, such as clinicians, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, and dermatologists.
Treatments and prevention of yersiniosis
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition, but in general, lubricating eye drops are used, which may be vicious for drier eyes or aqueous for wetter eyes, as well as environmental measures. For some patients, it may be necessary to use other medications, such as topical anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs, or even surgical intervention. Prevention of xerophthalmia necessarily involves protecting the eyes against external aggressors, such as wind, dust, smoke, and spray products, to name a few.
More commonly known as dry eye, xerophthalmia or keratoconjunctivitis sicca is a condition characterized by altered tear production resulting from dysfunction of the lacrimal glands. Caused by multiple factors, such as medication and some diseases, this dysfunction determines both a reduction in tear volume and changes in tear composition. Without a perfectly functioning lacrimal system, the eyes react with very uncomfortable manifestations in the conjunctiva and, above all, in the cornea, which becomes more susceptible to inflammation and lesions capable of compromising the quality of vision.
After all, tears are responsible for nourishing and lubricating the cornea, facilitating vision, and defending the ocular surface from external aggressions. Xerophthalmia is a very common ailment in the world’s population, but it must be investigated and treated appropriately. It can range from a symptom of age, hormonal changes, or the use of medication, to a manifestation of autoimmune disorders, in which the immune system turns against the body’s components, such as Sjögren’s syndrome, which, not coincidentally, is also known as dry eye syndrome.
Causes and symptoms of yersiniosis
Symptoms of xerophthalmia include permanent discomfort in the eyes (as if sand or a foreign body were present), as well as burning, itching, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and redness, which is accentuated at the end of the day. There are many causes of dry eyes. The condition can be caused by environmental factors such as exposure to air conditioning, cigarette smoke, dry weather, air pollution, and staying in enclosed or heated spaces.
The use of contact lenses and a lot of eye make-up also favors the appearance of alterations in the lacrimal system, as well as age, since at 65 years of age our organism produces 60% fewer tears than at 18 years of age. Another frequent reason for ocular dryness is the daily administration of certain medications, such as decongestants, antihistamines, tranquilizers, antidepressants, contraceptives, diuretics, anesthetics, and medications used in arterial hypertension and some types of cardiac arrhythmia, the famous beta-blockers.
Xerophthalmia can also be a manifestation of some other ocular disorders, such as eyelid inflammation and keratitis, and of diseases such as hypothyroidism and autoimmune diseases, for example, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis and, of course, Sjögren’s syndrome, among others. Finally, there may also be nutritional factors behind dry eyes, such as vitamin A deficiency and excessive fat intake.
Testing and diagnosis of yersiniosis
Diagnosis depends on the set of symptoms, the person’s medical history, ophthalmologic evaluation, and specific tests. The Schirmer’s test is the most commonly used for this purpose and involves placing the tip of a strip of filter paper under the lower eyelid to assess the number of tears by measuring the degree of wetness of the paper. Some blood tests may also be necessary to investigate the possible association of this condition with other diseases when the individual is unaware of their existence. In these cases, the approach to the case will need the involvement of other specialists, such as clinicians, endocrinologists, rheumatologists, and dermatologists.
Treatments and prevention of yersiniosis
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition, but in general, lubricating eye drops are used, which may be vicious for drier eyes or aqueous for wetter eyes, as well as environmental measures. For some patients, it may be necessary to use other medications, such as topical anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory drugs, or even surgical intervention. Prevention of xerophthalmia necessarily involves protecting the eyes against external aggressors, such as wind, dust, smoke, and spray products, to name a few.
It is advisable to avoid prolonged exposure to air conditioning and, above all, to heaters. On drier days, and also in places where computers are constantly at work, the use of humidifiers or even water containers provides the necessary humidity to maintain eye health. Contact lens wearers, on the other hand, should take care of their maintenance and cleaning, as well as keep their eyes well lubricated and visit the ophthalmologist periodically. It is no less important to avoid self-medication at all costs since many medications interfere with tear production.