Podcast: WHAT DOES YOUR DOCTOR SAY?
Episode: Dry eye syndrome
Leading: Dariusz Litera
Guest: Dr. Sebastian Floryn, ophthalmology specialist
Duration: 13 minutes
Burning, a feeling of grit under the eyelids, and eye fatigue that worsens throughout the day are symptoms that many patients consider "normal" from working at a computer. However, they may indicate dry eye syndrome, a common but often overlooked eye problem.
In this interview with Dr. Sebastian Floryn, an ophthalmology specialist, we discuss causes, symptoms, mistakes made by patients, and effective treatment methods. The expert explains why simply using random drops isn't always effective and when it's best not to delay a visit to the doctor.
Full podcast transcript
[00:00:00] Introduction
Dariusz Litera:
Burning, a feeling of grit under the eyelids, tired eyes halfway through the day. For many people, this is a daily occurrence, especially when working at a computer. The problem is that most of us try to treat it ourselves, changing eye drops, searching for home remedies, yet the symptoms just don't go away. Want to learn what dry eye syndrome really is and how to manage it? Find out what your doctor has to say. And today, your doctor is ophthalmologist Dr. Sebastian Floryn. Hello, doctor.
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Good morning, Mr. Darek. Hello.
[00:00:29] How common is dry eye syndrome?
Dariusz Litera:
How often do patients report this problem?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
According to statistics compiled by American ophthalmologists, dry eye syndrome affects approximately half of the population. Every second patient during ophthalmologist visits—even those regarding other issues—complains about these symptoms.
Of this 50% group, approximately 20% are male and the rest are female.
Dariusz Litera:
Because they cry more often and get more emotional?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
There are many theories, although those related to hormonal balance predominate.
[00:01:02] How do patients describe their symptoms?
Dariusz Litera:
How do patients most often describe their symptoms? Perhaps many listeners don't realize that what they're experiencing is dry eye syndrome.
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
The leading symptoms are discomfort, burning and eye fatigue that worsen as the day goes on.
In the morning, the symptoms are usually less severe, but around noon, and especially at the end of the working day, they become so bothersome that the patient begins to report them as the main problem or as a symptom accompanying other diseases.
[00:01:40] What is dry eye syndrome?
Dariusz Litera:
What is dry eye medically? What causes it?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Simply put, it's a disorder of the tear film, meaning a disorder affecting the ocular surface. There are two main mechanisms: insufficient tear production and disruption of the lipid layer—the protective layer that covers the anterior segment of the eye and prevents tear film evaporation.
[00:02:11] Why might a dry eye water?
Dariusz Litera:
I feel like I have dry eyes and they often water. Could that be it?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
It's a paradoxical situation. We're talking about dry eyes, and one of the symptoms is excessive tearing.
The body tries to compensate for the tear deficiency by increasing their production. However, when the lipid layer is disrupted, the tear film quickly evaporates, and despite tearing, the patient continues to experience dryness and discomfort.
[00:02:55] Is this a disease?
Dariusz Litera:
Is it a disease entity or rather a set of symptoms?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
It is a set of symptoms of varying intensity, depending on the cause.
[00:03:04] The impact of working at a computer and air conditioning
Dariusz Litera:
Does life in front of a screen contribute to these symptoms?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Yes. The severity of dry eye syndrome has increased with intense screen work. Air conditioning, certain lighting, and other environmental factors also play a role.
Dariusz Litera:
Do symptoms worsen in winter?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Yes, especially at the end of the heating season. Contact lenses and iatrogenic factors, such as glaucoma drops containing preservatives, also play a role.
[00:05:03] Stress and lack of sleep
Dariusz Litera:
What are the effects of stress and lack of sleep?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
It's a vital part of daily hygiene. Sleep disorders translate into chronic fatigue and visual symptoms. In advanced stages, photophobia and decreased visual acuity may occur.
[00:05:50] Diagnostics and interview
Dariusz Litera:
What is key in an interview?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Listening to the patient's symptoms. The goal of treatment is to improve quality of life.
If the patient reports eye discomfort and irritation in addition to other conditions, evaluation for dry eye syndrome should be considered.
[00:06:25] Patient errors
Dariusz Litera:
What mistakes do patients make?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
They try to do it themselves, using home remedies like chamomile compresses or tea bags. These often have the opposite effect, causing irritation or an allergic reaction.
[00:07:17] Self-use of drops
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Simply searching online for information isn't a bad thing. However, treating dry eye syndrome is a "tailor-made" process. A conversation with a doctor can shorten the list of medications and narrow the choices to those appropriate for a given patient.
[00:08:12] Why aren't drops always enough?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
It all depends on the severity of the damage to the ocular surface. In addition to eye drops, it's important to eliminate unfavorable environmental conditions.
[00:08:30] The 3×20 Rule
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
The Anglo-Saxons use the 3×20 rule:
break every 20 minutes,
looking at an object at least 6 meters (20 feet) away,
and limiting constant staring at the screen.
[00:09:20] Blepharitis
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Blepharitis can lead to dry eye syndrome.
The meibomian glands produce an oily secretion. Its impaired secretion leads to drying, inflammation, pain, and even corneal epithelial erosion and vision impairment.
[00:10:26] When not to wait?
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Chronic redness of the eyelid margins and permanent blockage of the glands should not be allowed.
Specialized eyelid wipes can improve eyelid function.
[00:10:54] Debunking myths
Myth 1: If it stings, it means it's working.
In dry eye syndrome, appropriate drops should not cause stinging.
Myth 2: I will change the drops and the problem will go away.
Simply changing the drops without diagnosis does not solve the problem.
Myth 3: It will go away on its own.
Sometimes the flare-up goes away after the irritant is eliminated, but in many cases treatment is necessary.
[00:12:22] The most important advice
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Don't be afraid to report your symptoms. Approximately 50% people experience this problem.
There are many treatments available, including tear duct plugs, which improve the lubrication of the eye surface.
It is worth asking a specialist about available solutions.
Dariusz Litera:
Ophthalmologist Dr. Sebastian Floryn said this on the podcast "What Your Doctor Says." Thank you very much.
Dr. Sebastian Floryn:
Thank you very much.
Key takeaways for patients:
- Dry eye syndrome affects up to 50% of the population.
- Symptoms worsen during the day, especially when working at a computer.
- Excessive tearing may be a symptom of dry eye.
- Drops alone without diagnosis often do not solve the problem.
- Home remedies may worsen irritation.
- Eyelid margin hygiene is important.
- Early consultation with an ophthalmologist allows for tailor-made therapy.
Information about participants:
Presenter: Dariusz Litera – medical editor, health communications specialist, and creator of the podcast CO NA TO TWÓJ ELEKARZ (WHAT YOUR DOCTOR SAYS). For years, he has been involved in patient education and promoting evidence-based medicine, conducting interviews with specialists in various fields of medicine.
Guest: Dr. Sebastian Floryn is an ophthalmology specialist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. He prescribes patients for cataract surgery and vitreoretinal procedures, and performs procedures such as YAG laser capsulotomy, retinal laser therapy, and OCT examinations.
ATTENTION!
This material is for educational purposes only. It does not replace an individual medical consultation. If you experience any disturbing symptoms or have any concerns about your health, please consult your doctor.