The dry eye syndrome is particularly widespread in the population, even though this term is often wrongly used to refer to other ocular disorders that are only similar in their symptoms.
Let us recall the organization of the different structures responsible for the proper balance of the ocular surface. The eyelids constantly sweep, by their blinking, the ocular surface, allowing the tears to spread over the surface of the cornea, a true transparent porthole open to the outside world. These tears, permanently secreted by the lacrimal glands, are made mainly of water but not only. The lipids and the mucus are essential for the proper stability of the tear film which then extends like a thin protective barrier in front of the cornea, preventing it from drying out, infection, or opacification.
Dry eye syndrome corresponds to one of the following three proposals:
- decrease in the quality of the tears
- decrease in the quantity of the tears
- decrease in the stability of the tear film
Dry eye syndrome is currently more frequent due to external conditions which favor drying out, such as air conditioning, overheated but not humidified household atmospheres, pollution, and especially the excessive use of treatments that decrease tear secretion. Do not overlook dry eye, dry eye is frequent, but still needs to be looked for. The complaints expressed by patients are very non-specific. Sensation of sand, significant discomfort in light, burning sensations, discomfort when opening the eyes in the morning, itching, decrease in visual acuity. It is therefore easy to wrongly attribute these symptoms to an allergic or viral conjunctivitis.
Prolonged treatment is then likely to cause conjunctival inflammation or intolerance that will eventually mislead the diagnosis. The diagnosis will be made by measuring the basal tear secretion and analyzing signs of cell distress.