It is a condition that occurs frequently, but we do not have the perfect treatment: Dr. Noel Rosado Adames
By: Maria Camila Sanchez
With the arrival of the pandemic and the increase in the use of electronic devices as the main means of communication, eye conditions have become increasingly common due to the constant use of these devices. One of the main reasons for consultationhas been due to symptomatological pictures that correspond to dry eye syndrome.
In order to delve into this condition, we must understand that the tear film is divided into three structures: In the first instance, there is the lipid layer, then there is the aqueous layer or area, and finally the mucin layer. When there is an imbalance in any of these, or in all of these structures, it is most likely that we will begin to present symptoms associated with dry eye syndrome.
Through an interview for the Journal of Medicine and Public Health, Dr. Noel Rosado, an ophthalmologist specializing in the cornea, explained that this condition is multifactorial, since there are also external conditions that affect eye health: “The use of antihistamine drugs or some very common for psychiatric conditions can make the discomfort worse.
In Puerto Rico, the high level of allergens Contents in the environment can also lead to this condition, especially since the island is prone to receive what is known meteorologically as dust from the Sahara, or even the mere presence of pollen can exacerbate and affect normal tear production.
Eye disorders of the digital age
Studies have shown that this condition is more common in older people than in young people, without this meaning that young patients cannot suffer from dry eye syndrome, since there are factors typical of young people that can cause this affectation, such as misuse of contact lenses, or prolonged exposure to screens.
The specialist assures that, when human beings focus on a certain action, we reduce the amount of blinking and this results in dry eyes. This is not a voluntary inconvenience, but rather an involuntary one.
“Before this occurred when we watched television, now it occurs due to prolonged use of computers or cell phones,” he stated, “I recommend taking a break every hour, looking into the distance when working from a computer for 2 or 3 minutes, this is going to help us minimize some of the problems we’re seeing right now.”
General recommendations and treatment
being one condition multifactorial, the cause of the condition must be identified in order to start treatment, however, artificial tears or lubricating drops are the first line of treatment: “If with artificial tears (the patients) do not improve, a step therapy must be carried out in which other eye medications such as some anti-inflammatories can be used. Lacrimal duct plugs can also be used so that the tears remain around the eye for longer eye and this helps to treat the symptoms of dry eye,” explained the expert.
Unfortunately, there is still no definitive and generalized treatment that allows the complete eradication of the symptoms and discomfort derived from this condition and that is why the specialist is very clear with his patients when explaining that it is regarding one condition chronic that has no cure, but different alternatives that provide comfort.
Now, when a line of treatment is not started, it is likely that the patient, in a severe stage, may experience blurred vision all the time, pain and inflammation of the eyes that can lead to healing problems and this, in turn. , vision loss.
The main recommendation is not to stop attending the ophthalmological consultation to make a more accurate diagnosis, and to be able to rule out the relationship of dryness with other conditions that might not have much to do with the eyes, such as lupus, arthritis and syndrome of Sjögren.
