Tear substitute + support

The tear film consists of three layers:

The mucin layer (mucus layer), which is formed by the so-called goblet cells of the conjunctiva.
The aqueous layer, which is produced by the lacrimal gland.
The lipid layer (fat layer), which is formed by secretion from the meibomian glands located at the edge of the eyelid.

At least 8 out of 10 patients have "dry eye syndrome" due to meibomian gland dysfunction!

Ophthalmologic clarification and early detection are important.

The diagnosis should always be based on a combination of questionnaires adapted to your individual symptoms, the assessment of the quantity and quality of your tear film and imaging of your meibomian glands.

Since there are several solutions to the problem of dry eyes, it is important for us to be able to combine the optimal factors for you in the therapy.

This also helps us to select the appropriate supplements for you, such as artificial tears (eye drops) and, if necessary, further therapy applications (such as light therapy).

Compensatory tearing is the attempt to compensate for what is missing by increasing the aqueous portion of the tear fluid. However, as long as the lipid film is missing, this evaporates again very quickly and everything ends in a "vicious circle". Dry eyes are one of the most common eye complaints.

It sounds banal, but it can be very painful and stressful: dry eyes.

Itching, burning and redness often accompany it.

Many people who work at the computer know the problem of dry, tired and scratchy eyes.

In the cold season, dry heating air and low humidity often aggravate the symptoms.

In general, wetting disorders (insufficient amount or not optimally composed tear fluid) must be distinguished from drainage disorders caused by an occlusion of the draining tear ducts (see under tear duct surgery).

In the so-called "dry eyes" or "dry-eye syndrome", the focus is usually on a disorder of the tear film with wetting disorders of the cornea.

Even if the problems are often temporary, dry eyes should not be underestimated, because the cornea and conjunctiva can become inflamed as a result. In addition, more serious diseases can be behind red, scratchy and burning eyes.

In addition, inflammation of the eyelid margins often occurs with dry eyes. In this case, the glands in the area of the eyelid margins that produce the fatty portion of the tear fluid are clogged - the eyes then dry out even faster. Those affected who experience symptoms such as itching, burning or redness in the eyes should definitely have this clarified by an ophthalmologist, as this is the only way to rule out serious, other diseases.

Treatment options for dry eyes vary. Tear substitutes can help to moisten the surface of the eye. Depending on the severity, different preparations come into question.

The doctor and patient should decide together which tear substitute is suitable, as the effectiveness and tolerability are perceived very differently.

In the case of very pronounced complaints and insufficient wetting, the tear drainage tubules can be closed with a small "plug". This can increase the amount of tears available in the eye and reduce friction.

In addition, small measures in everyday life can help to alleviate symptoms.

We recommend that those affected

• have their complaints clarified by an ophthalmologist
• to ventilate several times a day
• use humidifiers to maintain the right humidity in the room
• keep the air circulation in the car low and never point the fan directly at the eyes
• blink more often when reading or working at the computer to renew the tear film.
• drink enough (at least two liters of water a day)

• Allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the conjunctiva)
• Hormonal disorders / fluctuations
• Use of eye cosmetics
• Use of contact lenses
• Chronic inflammation of the eyelid margin (blepharitis)
• Age (especially after the age of 50)
• Long screen work with little blinking
• Too long use of systemic medications (e.g. antihistamines)
• Air pollution / dust
• Climatic influences such as dry ambient air/air conditioning systems