Dry eyes

The clinical picture of dry eyes is a wetting disorder. This means that the surface of the eye is no longer sufficiently lubricated with tear fluid and protected from dehydration. The doctor then speaks of sicca syndrome. Behind this is either a deficiency or a disturbed composition of the tear film. In both cases, the tear film breaks down prematurely, leaving behind a dry eye surface that becomes vulnerable to irritation or inflammation. Causes for the increasingly frequent occurrence of dry eyes include an ageing society as well as changes in environmental conditions and lifestyles. Screen work and increasing private use of smartphones, tablets and the like can put the eyes under enormous stress and cause the typical symptoms of dry eyes such as redness, burning and tired eyes.

^{1 Reitmeir P, Linkohr B, Heier M et al.}