© Fotograf: Ana Blazic Pavlovic
How to recognise sicca syndrome
Today, more and more people suffer from sicca syndrome. This eye disease – "dry eyes" – is caused by the drying out of the surface of the eye. There can be many causes, ranging from computer screen work to environmental stimuli and to hormones and medications. You can find out here what you should know about sicca syndrome.
What is sicca syndrome?
What eye specialists refer to in medical terminology as sicca syndrome is commonly known as "dry eyes". The clinical picture consists of a wetting disorder of the eyes. This is caused by a lack of tear fluid or an altered composition of the tear film. As a result, the protective film ruptures and the eyes are no longer adequately protected against bacteria and other intruders. The surface of the eye dries out and causes the unpleasant symptoms, but also becomes more susceptible to inflammation and pathogens.
The medical term for this widespread eye disease is keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The name is derived from the Latin word "sicca", which translates as "dry". Currently, the sicca syndrome affects about twelve million people, making it the most common finding seen by eye specialists after the typical visual impairments ranging from short-sightedness to long-sightedness.
fizkes - stock.adobe.com
What are the causes of sicca syndrome?
There are many different causes of sicca syndrome, which can affect any social class and people of any age:
- environmental influences (e.g. toxins, fine dust, ozone)
- modern lifestyle, especially the use of digital media and computer screens
- advancing age
- diseases, e.g. rheumatism (Sjögren’s syndrome), diabetes, thyroid diseases
- eye strain
- contact lenses
- allergies
- medications (e.g. betablockers, the contraceptive pill, antihistamines)
- air conditioning
- dry air from central heating
- smoke
- eye injuries
- hormonal changes (e.g. during pregnancy, during the menopause, due to a thyroid disease)
- surgery
Modern lifestyle is one of the main triggers for sicca syndrome. Daily work at a computer screen and the constant use of digital media, such as smartphones and tablets, favour the eyes to dry out, because infrequent blinking does not provide sufficient wetting of the eyes. Environmental toxins and air-conditioned or centrally heated rooms do their part and are often difficult to avoid.
What do dry eyes feel like?
You read and hear a lot about the widespread disease of dry eyes, but how can you tell if you, too, are already suffering from sicca syndrome? These are the typical sicca symptoms:
- reddening of the normally white areas of the surface of the eye
- itching or burning of the cornea
- foreign body sensation
- swollen eyelids, especially in the morning after waking up
- sticky eyelids
- tired eyes
- watery or painful eyes
- an unpleasant feeling of pressure on the eyes
- sensitivity to light
- impaired vision (e.g. blurred vision)
However, since the above-mentioned symptoms can also indicate other eye diseases or inflammations, it is imperative that an eye specialist has a close look at your eyes. This is because treatment is urgently needed, especially in the case of infections. However, dry eyes also require appropriate therapy.
Why do your eyes water in sicca syndrome?
It actually sounds completely paradoxical, and yet watery eyes are often an indication of sicca syndrome. This is because, when the surface of the eyes is too dry, friction of the eyelids creates an irritation that triggers an increased flow of tears. This excess of tears then runs out of the corners of the eyes. Another reason may be the defective composition of the tear film. Because if the lipid layer, and thus an important component, is missing, the tear fluid does not adhere to the surface of the eye.
What eye drops help treat sicca syndrome?
The sicca syndrome is actually treated primarily with eye drops. In most cases, an eye specialist will recommend lubricating eye drops, which are to be used several times a day to lubricate the eyes. These eye drops stabilise the tear film and thus its protective function for the eye.
In addition, there are special drops in gel form, which adhere better to the surface of the eye. Eye ointments are suitable for caring for the eyes at night and keeping them lubricated.
What can I do about sicca syndrome? Tips for relieving dry eyes
In addition to treatment with eye drops, you should ensure a good indoor climate with sufficient humidity. Turn off the fan in the car to avoid further irritating your already dry eyes.
Also, spend a lot of time in the fresh air, because oxygen supports the recovery of stressed eyes. In addition, restrict smoking and try to give your eyes a break more often when working at a computer screen.