Professor Vyacheslav Kornikov explained that the sensation of having "dust in the eye" is a common symptom for many people, and people often associate it with fatigue or dry air, but its causes may be different.
He explained that dry eye, which has become more prevalent in recent years, may be the underlying cause of these symptoms. What causes it? Who is most susceptible? And what are its common symptoms?
He said: "In recent decades, and even more so, the number of people suffering from this syndrome has increased dramatically. It is like an epidemic in our modern world."
The professor pointed out that the eye needs constant lubrication, as the body possesses a complete system of external glands that produce a special fluid composed of three layers. The outer fatty layer prevents tear evaporation, the middle aqueous layer provides lubrication, and the third mucous layer helps the tears adhere to the eye's surface and prevents them from running off quickly.
He added that this system is essential for maintaining eye comfort, as its disruption may lead to various diseases on the front surface of the eye, including dry eye syndrome, whose symptoms include redness of the eye, especially in the morning, and a feeling of a foreign body or sand grains inside the eye that lasts throughout the day.
He explained that this syndrome often appears in older adults due to hormonal changes, but it is now being diagnosed even in children and school and university students. It can also be caused by certain medications that reduce the secretions of the glands responsible for lubricating the eyes.
For her part, Dr. Olga Vasilieva, an ophthalmologist, pointed out that one form of dry eye syndrome is known as "computer eye syndrome," which is linked to prolonged use of electronic devices and computers. When focusing on a screen for extended periods, the blinking rate decreases, and with this habit continuing for months, the mucous membranes gradually dry out as a result of adapting to a drier environment.
She added that constant exposure to air-conditioned or dusty rooms, in addition to dry air and certain medications, may increase the risk of developing dry eye.
She said: "There are medications used to treat other conditions besides dry eye, such as glaucoma, where patients use drops for many years, which can lead to continuous strain on the surface of the eye."
She explained that regular use of certain medications can also lead to dryness of the mucous membranes, including the surface of the eye. These medications are often hormonal and can cause gradual atrophy of the sebaceous glands in the skin. They may also affect the meibomian glands within the eyelid, which produce the oily component of the tear film.
She added that statins may also contribute over time to changes in the condition of mucous membranes, due to their effect on some indicators of blood vessel tension and tissue nutrition.
The professor stressed that treatment for dry eye syndrome should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
He said: "If a person experiences dryness, spots, or discomfort in the eye, they should see an ophthalmologist immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment."
He pointed out that the eye is a complex sensory system, and when a disturbance occurs in this system, the brain may send signals that lead to an increase in tear secretion. However, the entry of external fluids may disrupt the work of the glands responsible for producing the components of tears, which may lead to the worsening of the condition and its transition from a simple stage to a more dangerous stage.
