What causes swollen and dry eyes

If we stare at the computer or TV for a long time, our eyes are likely to become dry. Generally, we can improve this situation by applying hot compresses or using eye drops. But did you know that swollen and dry eyes may be a sign of dry eye syndrome? Dry eye syndrome is a chronic disease. After being diagnosed, patients need to undergo a long period of treatment to restore their eyes to health.

Dry eye syndrome is a general term for a variety of diseases characterized by abnormal tear quality, quantity or dynamics due to any reason, which leads to decreased tear film stability and is accompanied by eye discomfort and/or ocular surface tissue lesions. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Common symptoms include dry eyes, fatigue, itchy eyes, foreign body sensation, burning pain, sticky secretions, fear of wind, fear of light, and sensitivity to external stimuli. Sometimes the eyes are too dry and the basic tear production is insufficient, which stimulates reflex tear secretion and causes frequent tearing. In more serious cases, the eyes will become red, swollen, congested, keratinized, and the corneal epithelium will be broken with filaments attached. This damage can cause corneal and conjunctival lesions over time and affect vision.

Dry eye disease is a chronic disease that usually requires long-term treatment. If dry eyes are caused by excessive tear evaporation due to eyelid exposure, eyelid reconstruction surgery should be performed at the right time based on the condition.

1. Local treatment

(1) To eliminate the triggering factors, one should avoid using the computer for a long time and reduce exposure to air conditioning, smoke and dusty environments, etc.; those with meibomian gland dysfunction should pay attention to cleaning the eyelids and applying antibiotics.

(2) Tear component replacement therapy uses autologous serum or artificial tears. Severe patients should try to use artificial tears without preservatives.

(3) To prolong the residence time of tears on the ocular surface, wet chamber lenses, silicone eye masks, therapeutic corneal contact lenses, etc. can be used.

(4) Avoid taking other drugs that can reduce tear secretion, such as antihypertensive drugs, antidepressants, atropine analogs, etc.; for types involving immune factors, immunosuppressants or short-term local use of hormones; surgical treatment, etc.

2. Systemic treatment

The main purpose is to improve the patient's nutritional status and prevent secondary infection. Eat foods rich in vitamin A, such as milk, eggs, and vegetables containing carotene; take cod liver oil orally, etc.

There is currently no effective treatment. To reduce pain, saline, artificial tears or antibiotic eye ointment can be frequently instilled; or electrocautery can be used to close small tear points to reduce tear outflow. Blepharoplasty may be done for dry eyes caused by incomplete eyelid closure.