The sensation of dry eyes is very common, most often temporary and sometimes subjective. Rarely serious, this discomfort should nevertheless be reported.

IS IT COMMON TO HAVE DRY EYES?

Yes. What is called a "dry syndrome" is present in nearly a third of the adult population, in two thirds after the age of 65. It is often a simple discomfort without consequences.

WHY DO I HAVE DRY EYES?

Dry eyes can be caused by a condition in the quality of your tears following blepharitis. Or it can be linked to an environmental factor (air conditioning, wind, pollution, computer screen, cigarette smoke). It can also be caused by a defect in tear production due to aging or an anomaly in their composition caused by taking medication, particularly those intended for the nervous system (antidepressants, analgesics, anticonvulsants). Much more rarely, certain general illnesses affect tear secretion.

I HAVE A DRY EYE SENSATION. DO I NECESSARILY LACK TEARS?

No. Sometimes the “felt” sensation of dry eye is purely subjective, and tear secretion is normal. This happens, for example, when your eyes are overworked or exposed to irritating products. Not all eyes perceived as dry are the site of real dry eye.

CAN MY TEAR SECRETION AND A POSSIBLE DRYNESS PROBLEM BE EVALUATED?

Yes. There are painless tests performed by the ophthalmologist to measure your tear secretion. The Schirmer test consists of placing a strip of blotting paper in a corner of the eye and measuring the length of the moistened paper in 2 minutes.

WHAT CAN DRY EYE CAUSE?

A significant drying up of tears can lead to irritation of the cornea (exposed part of the eye) and an increased risk of eye infections.

IN CASE OF DRY EYE, WHAT TREATMENT WILL I BE OFFERED?

Treatment is difficult. There are few medications that positively influence tear secretion. There is no way to regenerate an impaired lacrimal gland. Stopping potentially responsible medications should be considered. Local treatments (artificial tears, suitable ointments) are always useful, but not all eye drops are suitable for treating dry eye syndromes. Some dry eye syndromes may benefit from anti-inflammatory treatment. In certain circumstances, ophthalmologists can block the tear ducts to limit the evacuation of tears and help them stay in the eyes longer.

I HAVE HEARD ABOUT SJÖGREN'S DISEASE. AM I AFFECTED IF MY EYES ARE DRY?

Sjögren's disease is only a very rare cause of dry eye syndrome. It is based on the association of a dry syndrome (also generally affecting the mouth, nose, skin, vagina), articular, vascular, cutaneous signs, and specific abnormalities observable by a blood test. In the vast majority of cases, patients complaining of a dry syndrome do not have Gougerot-Sjögren's disease.

If you persistently suffer from a sensation of dry eye, consult your ophthalmologist so that he can determine with you the origin of this symptom.