Oil-containing tear substitute in dry eye

Oil-containing tear substitutes stabilizes the tear film in the dry eye

06/28/2013

When the eyes are tired and sensitive to light and start to burn, they are usually too dry. As the professional association of ophthalmologists in Germany tells, oil-containing tear substitutes to help the tear film in the so-called „Office Eye Syndrome“ to stabilize.

widespread disease „Dry eyes“
Like people who work on the screen, they suffer from tired and burning eyes. Ophthalmologists then speak of „Office Eye Syndrome“. „In this case, it makes sense to use oily tears that stabilize the tear film“, advises Dr. Thomas Kaercher from the Professional Association of Ophthalmologists in Germany.

According to the association, around 15 million people in Germany suffer from dry eyes. „Many patients resort to self-medication without ophthalmological control“, reports Kaercher. Tear substitutes are used as the basic therapy. „The artificial tears moisten the ocular surface and so relieve the discomfort.“ To find the right remedy, the ophthalmologist could help. It was important to achieve the right mix of body and artificial tears. Meanwhile, new products are available that would affect the tear properties. „The pH can be normalized, but also the flowability and the osmolarity. This value indicates how many particles, such as salts or glucose, are dissolved in a given amount of tears.“

As Kaercher further reports, the small glands on the edges of the eyelid, the so-called meibomian glands, are often blocked with dry eyes. In order to reopen them, a new method can be used which emits heat and light pressure to the lid edges via a contact lens. „With this unique treatment, the meibomian glands can open and often relieve the discomfort significantly.“ (Ag)