Dry eye syndrome, also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, is a common eye disease caused by insufficient secretion, rapid evaporation, or abnormal composition of tears, resulting in insufficient lubrication of the eye surface and discomfort.
Generally speaking, our eyeball surface is covered with a layer of 6-10 microns thick tear film (equivalent to 1/10 of the diameter of a hair), just like a phone screen protector. A healthy tear film is a perfect "sandwich" structure: the outermost oily layer prevents evaporation, the middle water layer remains moist and provides nutrients, and the bottom layer of mucin helps "grip" the surface of the eyeball.
When the tear film system is imbalanced, our eyes will experience the following symptoms:
Typical eye discomfort
Dry feeling: The eyes are as dry as "sand rubbing", especially after prolonged use.
Foreign body sensation: I always feel like there is something in my eyes (such as eyelashes, gravel), but upon inspection, there is no foreign body.
Burning or stinging sensation: The eyes are warm and burning, and may be accompanied by mild pain.
Eye fatigue: soon after use, the eyes feel sore, swollen, and heavy, and the relief is not significant after rest.
Visual related symptoms
Blurred vision: briefly clear after blinking, quickly blurred again (caused by unstable tear film).
Light sensitivity: Decreased tolerance to light, especially strong light and screen light.
Temporary visual fluctuation: Due to rapid tear film rupture, vision fluctuates between good and bad.
