The sensation of sand in the eyes, burning, redness, or slightly blurred vision are signs that many people ignore, attributing them to fatigue. In reality, these can indicate dry eye syndrome, an increasingly common condition, especially with age. Why do dry eyes occur, what is the role of tears, and how does ocular health change over time? Let's find out.
What does dry eyes mean?
A healthy eye is permanently covered by a stable tear film, which protects, moisturizes, and ensures clear vision. Dry eye syndrome occurs when:
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tears are not produced in sufficient quantity
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or the quality of tears is poor, evaporating too quickly
The result is ocular discomfort and constant eye irritation.
Common causes of dry eyes
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Aging
As we age, natural tear production decreases. After the age of 40–45, the tear glands become less active, and the tear film thins. This is one of the main reasons why dry eyes are more common in adults and the elderly.
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Imbalance of the tear film
Tears are not just "water." They contain:
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an aqueous layer (hydration)
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a lipid layer (reduces evaporation)
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a mucin layer (adherence to the eye surface)
When one of these layers is affected, dry eye symptoms appear.
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Prolonged screen use
We blink less when using a phone, computer, or tablet. This promotes tear evaporation and accentuates ocular dryness.
Environmental and lifestyle factors
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air conditioning or excessive heating
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smoke, dust, wind
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wearing contact lenses
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certain medications (antihistamines, antidepressants, diuretics)
The role of tears in eye health
Tears play an essential role in:
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protecting eyes against infections
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maintaining clear vision
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lubrication and ocular comfort
When tears are absent or of poor quality, the eye becomes vulnerable, and discomfort can affect daily activities.
How can dry eyes be alleviated?
To reduce symptoms, the following are recommended:
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correctly chosen artificial tears, without preservatives
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regular breaks from screens (the 20-20-20 rule)
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adequate hydration
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adjusting the work environment (humidifier)
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regular optometric check-ups
At Optica Familiei, our specialists can help you choose the right solutions for your eyes, depending on your age and lifestyle. With proper care, you can restore the comfort and clarity your eyes need. Optica Familiei – care for your eyes, at any age.
I have adapted the original article into English and Russian, maintaining a clear structure, an accessible educational-medical tone, scientific accuracy, and SEO optimization. The content is faithfully translated, with minor adjustments for linguistic naturalness, and retains the reference to "Optica Familiei."
