What to do when the eye itches and burns

Dry or draft, working long hours on the computer or watching TV - all these things can lead to dry eyes, also called Sicca syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca. After all, whoever sits on the screen for a long time, for example, forgets to blink. Normally we open and close the eyelid up to 15 times a minute. When concentrated, however, this automation soon falls into oblivion. But not only the "Office Eye Syndrome" causes burning, itching or a veiled look.

When the eyes itch and burn. Picture: auremar - Fotolia

Too little tear fluid causes the eye to be no longer properly wetted with fluid. The cornea is no longer well protected, the surface becomes dry, burns, itches and may turn red. Patients often have a foreign body sensation. This can be due to external influences such as pollen, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, dry air, air conditioning, working at the computer too long or drugs such as beta-blockers, the pill or cortisone - but also people suffering from diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, who have or have thyroid disorders lacrimal gland disease can be affected by dry eye.

Apply eye drops and gels
For dry eyes, tear substitutes in the form of eye drops and ointments help to provide the temporary dry eye with enough liquid again. "What should be used and how long, is best discussed individually with the doctor," explains the President of the Chamber. In principle, a tear substitute ensures that missing tear fluid is supplemented or a wrong composition is compensated. Here, the moistening should be as intense and sustainable, which is why a high water binding capacity is needed. In addition, an increased viscosity is required for a long-lasting "adhesion", which plays a role in particular in the case of heavier forms. "The most important rule before the application: The hands should be washed," advises Klämbt. "Topical, topical ophthalmic drugs should always be used in a strictly hygienic manner to ensure improvement." In addition, the sterile drip tip should not touch the eye or surrounding surfaces. Also good to know: Eye ointments and gels can lead to short-term impairment of visual performance. Therefore, these preparations are suitable for use just before going to bed.

The use of eye drops should always be done correctly to achieve maximum effect. To do this, warm the dropper bottle in your hand. If necessary, place in front of a mirror. Open both eyes wide, with the index finger of one hand, slide the lower lid slightly downwards and look upwards. Then hold the drip tip vertically and drain as close as possible over the opened conjunctival sac. When the drop has spread sufficiently, release the lower eyelid, slowly close both eyes and, if possible, keep closed for one to two minutes.
With gels or ointments handling is not that easy. The tube should be handled in terms of hygiene and temperature as well as the drops. The affected person should try to place a rope about five millimeters long directly into the conjunctival sac open. This works best in front of the mirror. The application cover is guided from the inside to the outside corner of the eye. Again, it is advisable to close your eyes for some time, so that the gel or ointment can be optimally distributed.

Prevention and self-help
Those who suffer more often from dry eyes can do a lot to stimulate the flow of tears. Drink enough - at least two liters - and protect the eye from drafts or excessive sunlight. In order to increase the humidity in rooms, trays can be set up with water, damp cloths can be hung over the heater or humidifiers can be set up directly. Also, the intake of more omega-3 fatty acids (fish oils, algae, vegetable oils) can support the natural formation of tear fluid. Affected contact lens wearers should possibly try other care products or change to the glasses. Even make-up can irritate the eye and lead to inflammation. "Anyone who is unsure discusses this with either their doctor or pharmacist," says Klämbt. (Pm)