Modern technologies bring comfort, coziness, convenience into human life: household appliances simplify cooking and cleaning, air conditioners create a microclimate, televisions and computers satisfy information and cognitive interest. But in technological progress, in addition to the pros, there are also disadvantages. For example, a phenomenon called dry eye syndrome.
Open access to information and communication technologies, continuous striving to keep abreast of the events taking place in the country, a large flow of paper and electronic information force people to forget about prevention and respect for the most fragile organ. An uncomfortable sensation, burning sensation, reddening of the eyes in the recent past was inherent in the elderly, enthusiastic researchers and scientists. Now, in the age of computerization, such complaints arise among the younger generation.
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Why dry eye syndrome occurs
The root cause lies in the structure of the eyeball, in particular, the features of the functionality of the lacrimal glands, the main purpose of which is to moisturize the surface of the eye by creating a tear film. This natural lubricant is applied through the eyelids as you blink. It has a protective function: it cleans the surface of the eye from dust, protects from debris, moisturizes, nourishes, improves vision. In order for a person to be able to perceive the surrounding world visually, not to experience discomfort and unpleasant painful sensations, the tear film must be constantly renewed, preserving its layers and correctly performing the functional features assigned to it. Excess moisture is easily removed through the nasal cavity, but the deficiency can be difficult to replenish.
In this regard, the main factors provoking drying out of the cornea are:
- if the load on vision exceeds the permissible norm;
- if the surface of the eyes is exposed to dry air, dust or smoke;
- if a person wears contact lenses;
- if low-quality decorative cosmetics that irritate the eyeball are used;
- if the medications taken cause an allergic reaction or side effect;
- if the body has a disrupted thyroid gland or hormonal changes occur;
- if there are not enough vitamins;
- if there are not enough elements for the formation of a tear film to create a fat layer that retains moisture.
What a person experiences with dry cornea
- The first sensation that occurs with this syndrome is fatigue. Images become blurry, there is a strong desire to close the eyelids.
- Then there is redness, a feeling of "sand", there is an irresistible desire to rub the eyes to get rid of foreign bodies, to "clarify" visual perception.
- This effect leads to the appearance of irritation, increased lacrimation, painful discomfort.
The unpleasant sensations intensify in the evening or after prolonged visual work.During the night, discomfort, pain in the eyes disappear. The person calms down, continues to work in the same rhythm, attributing the periodic malaise that often aggravates in the evening to fatigue, workload, does not suspect the presence of a chronic disease that can lead to serious consequences. One of them is the problem of visual impairment.
How to tell if your eyes are tired of overexertion or suffer from dry eye syndrome
There are two signs of a disease definition:
- specific;
- non-specific.
A subjective specific sign is manifested in the fact that smoke, wind, dry air are bad for the eyes. This creates an unpleasant sensation of dryness. The objective specific feature is different in that there is a decrease in the lacrimal menisci, the appearance of mucous "threads".
A subjective nonspecific sign manifests itself through the sensation of the presence of a speck or other foreign small object in the eye. There is an unpleasant burning sensation and pain, perception is disturbed, tears involuntarily flow, bright light is unpleasant. A nonspecific objective sign is characterized by difficulties in opening the eyelids, redness of the eyeball.
It is for these manifestations and their intensity that the mild, medium and severe stages of the disease are determined.
If the usual overexertion goes away by itself after a full healthy rest, then the dry eye syndrome is chronic, has stages of remission - exacerbation.
Diagnostic studies are carried out using special drops with dyes, which help to detect damaged areas, assess the degree of damage, and prescribe the correct treatment.
Treatment of the disease
Normalization of lifestyle, as well as drugs that restore the tear film, treat the syndrome of "dry" eye, restore visual perception, relieve pain and discomfort. At the same time, the medicines must be safe for the body, not contain preservatives that cause allergies. DRI drops are mostly created in the form of artificial tears. They eliminate redness of the eyeball without causing irritation. Medications that contain substances to constrict blood vessels to speed up the healing process can worsen symptoms and dryness. They are not recommended to use if a person wants not only to reduce discomfort, but to be cured completely. An ophthalmologist will help you choose the right treatment.
Review of the best dry eye drops
Cationorm
A unique cationic emulsion for moisturizing and eliminating severe dry eye symptoms that occur throughout the day, and even in the morning. The drops contain mineral oils that protect the ocular surface from moisture evaporation and stabilize the tear film.
Drops belong to the group of tear substitutes, are well suited for those who wear contact lenses for a long time.
Advantages:
- Quickly removes intense dryness and discomfort in the eyes (gritty eyes, redness, itching, etc.);
- Contains no preservatives, can be used with contact lenses;
- Restores all three layers of tears;
- Prevents further development of dry eye syndrome.
Disadvantages:
- Cationorm should not be used if you have a known allergy to the ingredients in the product.
Okutiars
Ultra High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid Eye Drops to quickly relieve dry and tired eyes that appear towards the end of the day after intense visual work. Often used by people who spend a lot of time at the computer, driving, and often traveling by plane. Also, drops are prescribed for the first 6 months after eye surgery.
Advantages:
- Quickly moisturizes and relieves eye fatigue;
- Do not contain preservatives, can be applied to contact lenses;
- Stored for 6 months after opening the bottle.
Disadvantages:
- Small availability in offline pharmacies, mostly sold in online pharmacies.
Vizin classic
This drug is from the group of alpha-adrenergic agonists. It is intended for treatment, maintenance of eyes. The drug narrows blood vessels, helps relieve puffiness. Can be dripped on to children. Can be used during pregnancy, but only with the permission of a specialist. Average cost: 360 rubles.
Advantages:
- effectively relieves swelling, redness;
- reduces allergic manifestations;
- reduces exposure to harmful substances;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- has many inhibitory factors for use;
- side effects increase pain discomfort;
- permissible daily use up to four days.
Vizomitin
The drug is used for DES. It has a keratoprotective, antioxidant effect. Refers to a drug group called "artificial tear". Average cost: 518 rubles.
Advantages:
- effectively moisturizes;
- protects well from external factors;
- simultaneous reception of other medicinal products is possible.
Disadvantages:
- use during pregnancy is unacceptable;
- contraindicated during lactation;
- harmful to children.
Systane ultra
Drops are available in 15 ml, 3 ml bottles. In accordance with this, the average cost: 557 rubles, 246 rubles. In an ophthalmic solution, the main element is polyquad. It is indicated for use in case of SHG, many hours of office work with air conditioning, after a long exposure to the sun.
Advantages:
- quick results;
- long exposure;
- effective elimination of dryness, burning;
- recommended for prolonged work in front of the monitor;
- possible use during pregnancy;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- the simultaneous use of another eye medicine is prohibited;
- do not drip to children.
Comfort Drops
One of the medications recommended for lens wearers. The drug not only has a healing, moisturizing effect, but also assists in adapting when wearing contact lenses. Drops promote the formation of a tear film, retain a protective layer for up to 6 hours. Experts advise the drug to people who work a lot on personal computers, with information that requires a lot of visual stress. Drops can be used both for therapeutic purposes and for prophylactic purposes. Average cost: 240 rubles.
Advantages:
- comfortable use;
- calming effect;
- quick removal of irritation;
- convenient application;
- permissible use up to 3 months;
- no need to remove lenses;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- contraindicated in hypersensitivity.
Artelak Balance
Effective drops to relieve discomfort and dry eye effects. They contain hyaluronic acid, their composition is analogous to artificial tears. Maintain the balance of the tear film, restore its protective properties. Recommended for use by programmers, people with contact lenses, those who work in smoky rooms, or offices with an increased amount of dust or the presence of a constantly running air conditioner. Average cost: 645 rubles.
Advantages:
- quick elimination of redness;
- relieving fatigue;
- reducing irritation;
- effective cleansing effect;
- allowed for use by pregnant women.
Disadvantages:
- do not drip to children;
- the price is above average;
- shelf life up to 2 months.
Hilo chest of drawers
Popular DES treatment that quickly creates a protective tear film without clouding. Often used by contact lens wearers. It is prescribed by specialists to eliminate dryness, burning sensation, as well as the presence of injuries and damage to the cornea. Promotes the formation of a thin tear film that does not interfere with the visual perception of the environment. Average cost: 600 rubles.
Advantages:
- the composition of the drops is similar to a natural tear;
- comfortable use;
- no need to remove lenses;
- lack of side effects.
Disadvantages:
- simultaneous administration with other ophthalmic drugs is inadmissible;
- the price is above average;
- contraindicated in hypersensitivity.
Oftolik
Medicinal product from the category "artificial tear". The composition is similar to natural. Recommended for patients with disorders of the lacrimal glands, as well as for additional hydration of the cornea, restoration of the tear film. Use by pregnant women is possible, but only in consultation with a doctor. Average cost: 440 rubles.
Advantages:
- fast calming effect;
- effective softening of the cornea;
- replenishment of water balance;
- average price.
Disadvantages:
- contraindicated in hypersensitivity;
- use in case of allergic reactions is unacceptable.
Vismed
A drug intended to treat the eyes. It is gel-like in consistency and contains hyaluronic acid. It helps to improve the functioning of the lacrimal glands, to compensate for the lack of moisture in the eye surface. Permitted for use with contact lenses. Average cost: 520 rubles.
Advantages:
- soft impact;
- clear look;
- quick results;
- effective removal of irritation;
- restorative effect.
Disadvantages:
- the price is higher than the budget;
- cannot be used simultaneously with other eye drops.
Natural tear
A drug with a purposeful purpose - the treatment of dry eye syndrome. The elements included in the composition maintain the pH level, preserve the protective film for a long time. There is no data on the safety of use by pregnant women, children, therefore, self-medication with this medicine, without prescription by a specialist, is unacceptable. Average cost: 370 rubles.
Advantages:
- the composition is identical to natural tears;
- comfortable use;
- fast, long-lasting result;
- acceptable price.
Disadvantages:
- contraindicated in hypersensitivity;
- allergic reactions are possible.
Oxial
An effective drug that treats dryness, irritation of the eyeball, eliminating the damaging effects of external factors. Helps to relieve discomfort from wearing contact lenses, as well as after working in a smoky or dusty environment. It is in demand among people who work a lot on computers in office buildings. Average cost: 830 rubles.
Advantages:
- protects the surface of the eye from drying out;
- quickly relieves pain, redness;
- reduces irritating effect;
- has a flushing effect.
Disadvantages:
- possible allergic reactions to active substances;
- high price.
Oftagel
Eye drops in the form of a gel, thanks to which they retain the therapeutic effect for a long time, while maintaining a clear look. Light haze disappears within 5 minutes. The medicine provides maximum care for the cornea, as well as the conjunctiva, maintaining a moist layer on the surface of the eye. It is possible to use it when wearing lenses, only when the drops are instilled, the lenses are removed, and then reinstalled after half an hour. During the period of bearing a child, feeding him, in childhood, the drug can only be used as directed by a doctor. Recommended for use in the postoperative or correctional periods. Average cost 320 rubles.
Advantages:
- fast, long-lasting result;
- has the function of tissue repair;
- keeps moisture for a long time;
- practically not absorbed into the body;
- good protective property;
- affordable price.
Disadvantages:
- should not be taken simultaneously with other eye drops;
- in the first minutes, a slight irritant effect is possible.
The main characteristics of drugs
number | Name | Composition | Method of reception |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Vizin classic | TS-polysaccharide 0.5%, mannitol, sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate, sodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate, water | 1 drop in each eye 2 times / day, if necessary - 3-4 times / day. Treatment should be continued until symptoms disappear. |
2 | Vizomitin | Plastoquinonyldecyltriphenylphosphonium bromide 0.155 μg, excipients: benzalkonium chloride - 0.1 mg; hypromellose - 2 mg; sodium chloride - 9 mg; sodium dihydrogen phosphate - 0.81 mg; sodium hydrogen phosphate dodecahydrate - 1.16 mg; sodium hydroxide 1M solution - up to pH 6.3–7.3; water for injection - up to 1 ml | 1-2 drops of the drug in the conjunctival sac 3 times / day. The duration of the course of treatment is established by the doctor depending on the severity of the symptoms. |
3 | Systane ultra | Polyquad (polydronium chloride) 0.001%; 0.4% polyethylene glycol; 0.7% boric acid; 0.12% potassium chloride; 0.1% sodium chloride; 0.3% propylene glycol; 1.4% sorbitol; hydroxypropyl guar; 0.57% 2-amino-2-methylpropanol | Instill 1-2 drops in both eyes. Then blink for a better distribution of the drug over the surface of the cornea. |
4 | Comfort Drops | The eye drops contain an active substance - povidone (polyvinylpyrrolidone). The drug is available in the form of a 1% solution in 15 ml vials. | The patient can determine the number and frequency of instillations independently, depending on the severity of the symptoms. |
5 | Artelak Balance | Hyaluronic acid, excipients: boric acid, polyethylene glycol 8000 (Protector), sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride dihydrate, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, cyanocobalamin (vit. B12), Oxide, water d / i. | Instill 1 drop into the conjunctival sac of each eye 3 to 5 times / day or, if necessary, more often |
6 | Hilo chest of drawers | Sodium hyaluronate (sodium salt of hyaluronic acid), excipients: anhydrous citric acid, sodium citrate dihydrate, sorbitol, water. | It is recommended to instill 1 drop 3 times / day into the conjunctival sac of each eye. |
7 | Oftolik | Povidone 6 mg, polyvinyl alcohol 14 mg, excipients: benzalkonium chloride, disodium edetate, sodium chloride, water d / i. | Assign 1-2 drops 3-4 times / day in both eyes, depending on the severity of symptoms. |
8 | Vismed | Active ingredient: sodium hyaluronate 1.8 mg / ml. Excipients: sodium chloride, potassium chloride, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium citrate, water for injection. | Drop 1-2 drops into the conjunctival sac of the eye as needed. |
9 | Natural tear | Dextran 70, disodium edetate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, benzalkonium chloride (in the form of a solution), hypromellose, excipients: hydrochloric acid and / or sodium hydroxide solution, purified water. | Instill 1-2 drops of the drug into the conjunctival sac of the affected eye (s) as needed. |
10 | Oxial | Active ingredients: sodium salt of hyaluronic acid 0.15%; boric acid; additional components: calcium chloride dihydrate, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride hexahydrate, sodium chloride, purified water, Oxide 0.06%. | Drip 1-2 drops of the solution into each eye. |
11 | Oftagel | Colorless eye gel 1 g, carbomer 974P 2.5 mg, excipients: benzalkonium chloride - 0.06 mg, sorbitol - 45 mg, lysine monohydrate - 4.7 mg, sodium acetate - 0.7 mg, polyvinyl alcohol - 5 mg, water d / i - 942.04 mg. | Instill 1 drop 1-4 times / day, depending on the severity of symptoms. |
Preventive rules
If there are no pronounced or congenital, hereditary causes of the disease associated with drying out of the cornea, preventive actions will help maintain eye health.
The following must be observed:
- When working with a computer, you need to rest for at least 15 - 20 minutes;
- When working with information on a PC monitor or watching a movie, a TV show, do not forget to blink frequently, moisturizing the surface of the eye;
- When reading books, magazines, take a break for 20 seconds every half hour, closing your eyelids for rest or doing gymnastics;
- Wear dark glasses on a bright sunny day, especially if a strong wind is blowing.
If you don't take action
The manifestations of discomfort from dryness of the eye surface cannot be taken calmly, not to take therapeutic or preventive measures. An advanced stage can lead to serious, sometimes irreversible consequences:
- corneal damage will require long-term treatment with an ophthalmologist;
- breaking the protective wet film increases the risk of infection;
- long-term negative influence of external factors, irritants contributes to the appearance of erosion, and, consequently, the need for surgical intervention;
- the person runs the risk of getting a deterioration in vision, or permanently losing it.
Drops for the treatment of DES, used in addition to compliance with preventive actions, regular alternation of work and rest, will help prolong the youthfulness of the eyes, preserve visual functions, and protect oneself from unpleasant pain sensations, discomfort, and feelings of fatigue.