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Mann sitzt vor einem Laptop und reibt sich die trockenen Augen

Dry eyes (sicca syndrome)

Special consultation hours in Berlin

Table of contents

Dry eye is defined as a multifactorial chronic disease of the ocular surface. Dry eyes can be caused by a lack of tear fluid or by a lubrication disorder of the surface of the eye. In addition to the unstable tear film, an increased salt content of the tear fluid and inflammatory

Changes in the surface of the eye typical of dry eyes. Often, there are considerable sicca symptoms in combination with blepharitis/inflammation of the eyelid margin, which were caused by meibomian gland dysfunction associated with tear film insufficiency.

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Sanoculus Ophthalmologists

also treat office eye syndrome

Mann sitzt vor einem Laptop und reibt sich die trockenen Augen

Almost one in five ophthalmologist patients suffers from sicca syndrome. It has long since ceased to be a condition of the older generations, but increasingly affects people of younger ages. This is often referred to as office eye syndrome

and refers to dry eyes caused by overexertion. Sicca symptoms occur due to long periods of time at a computer screen, reduced blinking frequency or inadequate lighting of the workplace.

Various tests and devices are available to diagnose dry eyes. We use a slit lamp to get an overview of typical sicca changes in the cornea, conjunctiva, eyelids and tear film. In the next step, extensive tear film analysis and meibography are performed to obtain information about the quality and quantity of the tear film. After measuring the tear film osmolarity, we evaluate the examination results and can precisely determine the type and severity of dry eye. On this basis, the treatment of your dry eye is individually coordinated/selected.

Symptoms of Sicca Syndrome

reddened and burning eyes

Feeling of dryness

Sand grain feeling

Sticky eyes in the morning

Increased sensitivity to light

Changing visual acuity

Feeling of pressure behind the eye

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Älterer Mann vor einem Laptop sitzend, reibt sich die trockenen Augen

Dry eye – Causes

Since dry eye disease is a complex disease, the causes are also diverse.

In addition to the age-related change in tear production, these include various allergies, hormone imbalances, autoimmune diseases, skin diseases or the use of certain medications that can cause dry eyes as a side effect.

Other risk factors include climatic influences, i.e. hot, dry ambient air, air conditioning or long periods of screen work.

Dry eye – therapy options

Since dry eye is a chronic eye disease, it cannot be cured, but can only be alleviated with the help of a few therapies. In the case of minor sicca symptoms and a low severity of the wetting disorder, dry eye can be treated well with special tear substitutes and eyelid margin care . It is important to use the individually adapted eye drops regularly and to thoroughly care for the eyelid margin. If you still have symptoms despite the use of a wide variety of tear substitutes and thorough eyelid margin care, we will be happy to advise you on further therapy options.

In the case of clogged but still existing meibomian glands, we offer meibomian gland expression to achieve an improvement in the lipid layer. Here, the clogged meibomian glands are reopened with the help of special medical tweezers. If, on the other hand, there is an inflammation of the eyelid margin, we offer a thorough cleaning of the eyelid edge (Bleph-Ex). For this purpose, sterile micro-sponges made of medical foam are used, which remove the deposits and crusts on the eyelids and eyelashes with gentle twisting movements. In the case of meibomian gland dysfunction, pulsed light treatment (Intense Regulated Pulsed Light Technology IRPL) is indicated. Here, neurostimulation triggers activation of the meibomian glands, which leads to an improvement in tear film integrity. Light pulse therapy can preserve and activate the remaining meibomian glands.

Untreated “dry eyes” can have serious consequences and must be treated individually.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sicca Syndrome / Dry Eyes

The tear film consists of three different layers – the mucin layer, the aqueous layer and the lipid layer. The layer directly adjacent to the cornea is the gel-like mucin layer. Their task is to fill in minor unevenness on the cornea and to allow the eyelids to glide evenly over the cornea. The mucin layer transitions smoothly into the aqueous phase due to a decrease in the gel-like consistency and ensures an even distribution of the tear film on the cornea. The aqueous layer (middle layer) ensures the removal of foreign bodies and metabolic end products and thus has an antimicrobial effect. The frontmost layer of the tear film is the lipid layer. The oily layer is formed in the meibomian glands and has the task of preventing the rapid evaporation of the aqueous layer and overflowing over the edge of the eyelid. The tear film thus has many functions. On the one hand, it should keep the surface of the eye smooth and thus enable good visual function. On the other hand, the transparent cornea is supplied with oxygen and nutrients by the tear fluid. Protection against foreign bodies, bacteria and viruses is also of great importance.

The meibomian glands are located in the eyelids and have their exit at the lower and upper edge of the eyelids. They are responsible for the production of the oily layer of the tear film by releasing lipids to the tear film with each blink.
In meibomian gland dysfunction, the exits of the glands are now blocked and not enough lipids are released into the tear film. This leads to rapid evaporation of the aqueous layer and burning eyes. If the exits remain closed for a longer period of time, the meibomian glands can degenerate and are no longer reversible. If you notice crusts, dandruff or redness on the eyelids, it may be blepharitis. This is an inflammation of the eyelids, also caused by clogged meibomian glands.

  • Ensure sufficient humidity when working in air-conditioned rooms – e.g. with a humidifier
  • Regularly go out into the fresh air and/or ventilate well
  • Thorough and regular eyelid margin cleaning
  • Regular screen breaks and consistent blinking
  • Drink enough
  • Pay attention to your diet (e.g. also take omega-3-rich food supplements)
  • Consistently drip the correct tear substitute (moisturizing eye drops)
  • Do not point the air jet from the air conditioning system directly at your eyes

OP-Center Sanoculus Elsterplatz Kissinger Str. 1 14199 Berlin

OP-Center Sanoculus Spandau Wilhelmstr.
23a 13593 Berlin

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Ophthalmology Practice Sanoculus Kurfürstendamm Kurfürstendamm 115B 10711 Berlin

Sanoculus Haselhorst ophthalmology practice Burscheider Weg 11G 13599 Berlin

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99 12167 Berlin

Sanoculus Rudow ophthalmology practice Köpenicker Str. 184 12355 Berlin