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Medikamente auf Hand

Dry eyes from diseases and medication

Common causes of dry eyes include a number of diseases such as rheumatism, diabetes or thyroid problems. But taking certain medicines can also affect the production of the tear film.

Diseases Dry eyes as a common side effect

There is a whole range of conditions that can lead, among other things, to dry eyes and the associated symptoms such as itching, redness and a foreign-body sensation: Thyroid diseases, rheumatism and diabetes are common causes. But infections with viruses or bacteria can also be behind it. Neurodermatitis and rosacea, among others, can cause the eyelids to swell, while Parkinson's disease can affect the quality of the tear film and lead to reduced wetting of the eyes. The autoimmune disease scleroderma can target the connective tissue and lead to fibrosis of the tear gland, which can no longer produce sufficient tear fluid.

Treatment: What helps against dry eyes?

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Thyroid gland Dry eyes possible if the thyroid is overactive or underactive

Thyroid disorders affect body metabolism, which in turn can affect tear production. This is why many thyroid patients complain of chronically dry eyes. This particularly occurs secondary to the autoimmune diseases Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but also in endocrine orbitopathy, an autoimmune disease involving the eye socket. With hypothyroidism, for example, the hormone deficiency can affect the mucous membranes and lead to reduced, or deficient, production of the tear film. Since thyroid diseases are often chronic, a permanent lubrication of the eyes is imperative.

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Symptoms How to recognise dry eyes

Packshot Hylo Dual Intense

HYLO DUAL INTENSE® Intensive lubrication of the eyes

Rheumatism Impaired function of the tear glands

Rheumatic diseases manifest themselves through a variety of symptoms that predominantly involve the joints. However, rheumatism patients often suffer from dry eyes at the same time, which can be due to a dysfunction of the mucous membranes. Especially in Sjögren's syndrome, which is also an autoimmune disease, the body's own defence system targets the tear and salivary glands. The consequences: The production of the protective tear film decreases, and the eyes dry out. In general, the treatment of dry eyes in rheumatism patients should not be neglected, as chronic inflammation or even permanent damage to the eyes can otherwise occur.

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Diabetes Elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerve fibres

The chronic metabolic disease diabetes mellitus (also commonly known as diabetes) is one of the major widespread diseases of our time and affects about eight million people in Germany alone. In the course of the disease, diabetic retinopathy can develop, a disease-related alteration to the retina that can even lead to blindness. Inadequate blood flow to individual structures in the eye can also damage the nerves that control the tear glands. If tear production begins to falter, the eye is no longer sufficiently lubricated and becomes increasingly dry. In order to prevent serious damage to the eye, diabetics should therefore visit an ophthalmologist regularly for check-ups. Source: Deutsche Diabetes-Hilfe [German Diabetes Aid]