Dry eye syndrome, also known as tear dysfunction syndrome, is a chronic condition characterized by decreased tear production or deficiency in some of its components. According to the Brazilian Association of Dry Eye Patients (APOS), between 13% and 24% of Brazilians, which is equivalent to 18 million people, suffer from the disease, with the proportion being three women for every man.
Symptoms may vary depending on the patient’s general health condition, but, in the vast majority of cases, they may include a burning sensation, itching, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and discomfort when wearing contact lenses.
Women over 50 need be more careful due to its prevalence and the discomfort it can cause. Ophthalmologist Terla Nunes emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Raising awareness about the condition and understanding risk factors can help improve the quality of life for women suffering from dry eye syndrome.
Terla explains that the condition occurs when there is a lack of tear production or when one of its components is altered, causing excessive evaporation. Despite being a low severity problem, it deserves attention as it is very prevalent in the population.
Several factors can contribute to the development of dry eye in women over 50 years of age. Among the common causes that cause excessive tear evaporation are: eyelid gland dysfunctionsuch as blepharitis and meibomitis, the prolonged use of screensas well as air conditioning and fans, and also environmental factorssuch as low air humidity and wind.
Care that helps with prevention
Ophthalmologist Marcus Safady explains that the drop in relative humidity tends to worsen the symptoms of those with dry eye syndrome. He noted that the computer also triggers dry eye symptoms for a person who normally does not have this syndrome. This is aggravated if the environment has very cold air conditioning.
“Just using the computer alone, and several studies have shown this, reduces the rate of blinking, which causes tears to renew and protect the eye effectively.”
According to the ophthalmologist, we blink, on average, once every six or ten seconds. Studies indicate that when a person is at the computer, they sometimes spend 30 seconds without blinking, with repercussions on eye lubrication and dryness symptoms.
The recommendation is that the person tries to blink more often in front of the computer, the ideal average being every ten seconds. “At the same time, blink more and instill more protective eye drops. The basic guideline is this: flash and lubricate.”
Furthermore, there are other factors that cause reduced tear production, such as hormonal changes during climacteric and menopause; systemic diseases (Diabetes Mellitus, Parkinson’s, Sjögren’s Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis); smoking; use of contact lenses and use of estrogen.
Also included in this list are some systemic medications used to treat allergies, arrhythmias, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure and hypercholesterolemia; eye medications (especially those containing preservatives and glaucoma beta blockers); nutritional deficiencies and decreased corneal sensitivity caused by previous eye infections.
“It is very common for women to have several of the factors mentioned above as triggers of unpleasant symptoms”, he adds.
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According to Terla, dry eye treatment for age group 50+ does not differ from the treatment carried out for other ages, except for the greater attention required regarding the issues of hormonal fluctuations and deficiencies, which mainly affect climacteric women.
“Evaluation with a gynecologist and endocrinologist is necessary to verify the indication of hormone replacement therapy. Regarding the use of systemic medications, it is important to take care that they cannot be suspended or changed on your own, and it is necessary to discuss the risks and benefits of use with the prescribing doctor”, he warns.
Treatment consists of addressing the cause, such as blepharitis, using topical lubricating, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory medications and tear production stimulators. As non-drug treatments, the ophthalmologist cites the application of intense pulsed and thermomechanical light, in addition to the placement of tear plugs.
Challenges and recommendations
One of the main challenges in treating dry eye syndrome, according to Terla, is making women understand that it is a chronic condition and a predispositionwhich can be treated to relieve and control symptoms.
“Many women change doctors saying that the treatment did not work, when in fact it was necessary to maintain this and self-knowledge, learning to avoid triggering factors, maintaining continuous eyelid hygiene care”, he emphasizes.
Another challenge is the fact that it is a multifactorial condition and, therefore, generally caused by several mechanisms to be addressed one by one. The indiscriminate systemic use of psychotropic drugs, sleep inducers and antidepressants is a huge problem after the age of 50.
The ophthalmologist observes a significant number of women with prescriptions for various associated medications that cause dry eye and which are very difficult to manage. “It is important to highlight that in many of these cases, carrying out intense daily physical activity and a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and proteins and without saturated fats, are the best remedies, as well as preventatives, for many of the ailments that lead to excessive use. of systemic drugs.
Terla recommends avoid smoking, excessive use of screens, air conditioning and fans directed at the eyes. Furthermore, it is important to treat eye conditions such as blepharitis and learn daily management to keep eyelids healthy.
It is also important to mention the need for adequate medical monitoring during menopause and, if possible and appropriate in the case, the use of hormone replacement therapy in physiological doses, without exaggeration. Hormonal implants containing estrogen should be avoided, which can cause worsening of symptoms and cannot be removed once implanted.
Safady adds that the Using humidifiers at home or at work can be helpful, increasing air humidity and improving the symptoms of the syndrome. Regarding the use of sunglasses, there is no contraindication. Glasses provide more protection against wind or dust, but do not provide any therapeutic advantage. The person can wear sunglasses if the incidence of light bothers them.
Check out prevention tips
✔ Avoid smoking: smoking can worsen dry eye symptoms;
✔ Control the use of screens: excessive use of digital devices can cause tear evaporation;
✔ Be careful with air conditioning and fans: avoid directing them towards the eyes, as they can contribute to the evaporation of tears;
✔ Treat eye conditions: conditions such as blepharitis must be treated to prevent dry eye symptoms from worsening;
✔ Keep eyelids healthy: learn daily management to keep eyelids clean and healthy;
✔ Medical monitoring during menopause: It is important to have adequate medical monitoring during this phase of a woman’s life;
✔ Hormone replacement therapy: If indicated by a doctor, the use of hormone replacement therapy in physiological doses may be beneficial;
✔ Avoid estrogen-containing hormonal implants: these implants can cause worsening of symptoms and cannot be removed once implanted;
✔ Practice physical activity: regular physical activity can help maintain overall health and prevent conditions that can lead to dry eye;
✔ Healthy eating: a diet rich in vitamins and proteins, without saturated fats, can help prevent many of the ailments that lead to excessive use of systemic drugs;
✔ Perform routine ophthalmological checks: This allows symptoms to be treated before they appear, preventing eye health from being affected.
With Agência Brasil*
