Dry eye (Sicca syndrome)
Dry eyes are one of the most common conditions in ophthalmology. Typical symptoms include a burning sensation, itching, a feeling of having a foreign body in the eye, redness, or tired eyes, as well as occasional blurred vision. Watery eyes can also be a sign of this condition: although the irritated surface of the eye produces more tears, these tears are often not stable enough to keep the eye moist for long.
The cause is often a disrupted tear film. This film protects the surface of the eye, keeps it moist, and ensures clear vision. The Meibomian glands in the eyelids play an important role. They produce the lipid layer of the tear film and prevent the tear fluid from evaporating too quickly.
Common symptoms
- Burning, itching, or a sensation of a foreign body
- Red, irritated, or watery eyes
- Tired, heavy, or light-sensitive eyes
- Blurred vision or fluctuating visual acuity
- Discomfort caused by computer work, reading, or contact lenses
Dry eye (Sicca syndrome)
Possible causes
- Working at a computer, smartphone use, and focused reading
- Dry air, heating, air conditioning, wind, smoke, or dust
- Advancing age and hormonal changes
- Contact lenses or certain medications
- General medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatism, or autoimmune diseases
- Blocked Meibomian glands or poor eyelid hygiene
Diagnosis and Treatment
An eye exam can help identify the exact cause of the symptoms. During the exam, the surface of the eye, the eyelids, the eyelid margins, the tear film, and the Meibomian glands are examined.
Treatment depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Moisturizing eye drops, regular eyelid hygiene, and lifestyle adjustments are often recommended. For more severe or persistent symptoms, medication or modern procedures to support the Meibomian glands may be appropriate.
What you can do yourself
- Take regular breaks when working at a computer
- Blink consciously and completely
- Drink enough fluids
- Avoid dry indoor air, smoke, and drafts
- Check how long you've been wearing your contact lenses
- Don't rub your eyes
- Clean your eyelids regularly
When is an evaluation recommended?
It is advisable to see an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist, recur, or worsen. An examination should also be conducted if you experience pain, severe redness, sensitivity to light, or blurred vision.
Dry eyes can often be effectively treated. The key is to identify the cause and tailor the treatment to the individual.
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Common Eye Problems and Conditions
Our eyes are put under a lot of strain every day. Symptoms such as dry, red, or tired eyes, blurred vision, pain, or a sudden decline in vision should be taken seriously and evaluated by an ophthalmologist. Many eye conditions can now be detected early and treated effectively—timely diagnosis is key.
Preventive Care & Eye Exams – Regular Checkups and Early Detection
Regular eye exams help detect changes in the eye at an early stage—often before symptoms become noticeable. Conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts, in particular, often develop gradually.
Poor eyesight
Refractive errors are among the most common reasons for visiting an ophthalmologist. They occur when light is not focused precisely on the retina. Depending on the type of refractive error, vision may be blurry up close, far away, or in both ranges. The most common types include:
- Nearsightedness / Myopia: Clear up close, blurry at a distance
- Farsightedness / Hyperopia: Distance vision is usually better, while near vision is blurry
- Astigmatism: distorted or blurry vision
- Presbyopia: difficulty reading and seeing up close starting around age 40
Refractive errors can usually be corrected effectively with glasses, contact lenses, or other methods.
Dry eyes
Dry eye syndrome is one of the most common eye conditions and is caused by insufficient lubrication of the eye’s surface. Thanks to simple and effective treatment approaches, most patients can find relief quickly. Treating dry eye is an important part of our work, and we always tailor our care to the individual needs of each patient.
Vision problems & sudden vision loss
Vision problems can have many causes—ranging from harmless, temporary issues to serious eye conditions. In particular, a sudden decline in vision should always be evaluated by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible, as prompt treatment is crucial in some cases.
Cataracts
Cataracts, medically known as cataracts, are a natural ageing process that causes the natural lens of the eye to become cloudy. This clouding can impair vision and requires expert assessment and surgical treatment.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that affects the optic nerve. It is often caused by increased intraocular pressure, which can damage the optic nerve over time and lead to loss of vision if left untreated. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent potential blindness.
Macular degeneration
Macular degeneration refers to a group of diseases that affect the macula - a crucial area of the retina that is responsible for central vision.
This region allows us to see fine details such as letters when reading, faces, colors and more. The most common form is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which can occur in dry and wet forms.
In addition, certain factors such as diabetes, circulatory disorders of the retina or severe short-sightedness can increase the risk of macular diseases.
Corneal diseases
Corneal diseases affect the clear front layer of the eye and can significantly impair vision.
Common forms include:
- Keratitis: inflammation of the cornea, often accompanied by redness, pain, and blurred vision
- Keratoconus: Thinning and deformation of the cornea
- Corneal dystrophies: mostly genetically caused opacities
- Changes associated with dry eye: superficial damage caused by insufficient lubrication
- Age-related changes: for example, corneal guttata or Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy
An accurate diagnosis is important for determining the appropriate treatment and preserving vision as much as possible.
Eyelid Disorders
Eyelid disorders include various types of inflammation, deformities, and changes in the eyelids. These include styes, chalazia, blepharitis, contact allergies, drooping eyelids, ptosis, eyelid deformities, and benign or malignant changes in the eyelids.
Retinal laser
Retinal laser treatment is used to specifically treat pathological changes in the retina—such as retinal holes, retinal tears, or vascular changes associated with diabetes. The goal is to stabilize the retina, prevent further damage, and preserve vision as much as possible.
YAG capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification
After cataract surgery, vision may gradually deteriorate again. A common cause is what is known as a secondary cataract. This occurs when the posterior lens capsule—which remains in the eye after surgery and helps stabilize the artificial lens—becomes cloudy.
Dr. med. (I) Avraham Dishy
FMH specialist in ophthalmology and eye surgery
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