Suffer from dry eye syndrome in Marbella?

by Vithas Xanit International Hospital
(Benalmadena )

Do you know that according to specialists between 10 – 25% of the population suffer from dry eye syndrome?

This pathology is bascially a disfunction in the tear ducts which can provoke blurred vision, a burning sensation, itching, reddening of the eye, a gritty or abrasive sensation, or a sensitivity to light, explain the specialists from the Ophthalmology unit at Vithas Xanit International Hospital.

These symptoms may worsen during the spring due to polen and extremes in temperature and humidity.

One of the main problems with this pathology is that it is infradiagnosed, mainly due to a lack of thorough examinations which can help to determine exactly what is provoking the problem and rule out any possible complications. It is important to go and see an Ophthalmologist if you notice any of these symptoms as a lack of treatment during the early phase can make it difficult and uncomfortable to carry out daily tasks.

Causes

One of the main reasons why the eye produces less tears is a change in hormone levels, and for this reason the condition occurs mainly in women, particularly after the menopause due to hormonal changes in the body.

Other situations which may affect this pathology are; sun exposure, medication taken for colds or allergies, our surroundings (dryness, air-conditioning, or central heating affect the condition), along with tobacco.

Treatment

The use of artificial tears is the most commonly used treatment. These come in the form of eyedrops. The specialist will always recommend the most suitable drops depending on the characteristics of the patient. These can be used between two and four times a day. If symptoms do not improve after two weeks of regular use, then the dosage should be increased, or a different brand of drops should be used.

The use of protective glasses, or contact lenses to conserve the humidity in the eye may be recommended by a specialist as well as the application of medication prescribed by an ophthalmologist two or three times a day.

Prevention

For those people prone to dry eyes, there are a series of methods which can help to prevent the pathology: the use of humidifiers (particularly in the winter), reducing the use of medications for colds and allergies, blinking more, not smoking, and regularly cleaning the eye lashes.

The Ophthalmology Unit at Vithas Xanit International Hospital is dedicated to caring for your vision. It has become the first private center in the province which has a unit to evaluate and treat low vision. This Unit offers solutions based on the knowledge of the team of professionals, along with the most advanced technology, including the use of the most up-to-date diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Specialists carry out a clinical consultation and therapeutic procedures in order to resolve your problem. If you would like more information about this service please visit the following link (Spanish): Dry Eye Syndrome.