Klin Farmakol Farm. 2013;27(2):61-67

Dry eye syndrome

Milan Odehnal, Jiří Malec

Oční klinika dětí a dospělých 2. LF UK a FN Motol, Praha

Dry eye is one of the most common eye diseases. Its etiopathogenesis is multifactorial with close links to local and systemic diseases. The main

cause of dry eye are pathological changes leading to instability of the tear film. Secondarily, these processes are reflected in changes to the

surface of the eye. Genetic predisposition, age, gender, environmental impact, but also other factors such as wearing contact lenses, eye

pathologies, systemic diseases, hormonal influences, psychosomatic aspects, the effects of some drugs, and more play the role in the development

of dry eye. Patient with dry eye suffer with burning and cutting, transient visual disturbances, but some forms are associated

with photophobia, pain, and visual functions may be permanently impaired by the cornea damage. Diagnosis is based on history, clinical

examination and tests evaluating the amount of tears production or stability of the tear film. Treatment is individual, optimally targeted

according to etiology, but mostly symptomatic. Lies in the differentiated application of artificial tears of different composition and different

forms. During the course of inflammatory problematic is possible to indicate the aplication of local and systemic glucocorticoids, application

of autologous serum, obturation lacrimal collagen closures or the use of cyclosporine A and amniotic membrane.

Keywords: dry eye syndrome, artificial tears, tear gland, tear film, blepharitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, osmolarity

Published: July 1, 2013  Show citation