What is meant by artificial tear fluid?
Artificial tear fluid is an agent (drops, gels, sprays), which corresponds in its composition approximately to the body’s own tear fluid. They are used when the body’s own tear film is not sufficient to fulfil its tasks. The artificial tear fluid consists mainly of water, but fats are also included to imitate the natural fat film (lipid film) of the tear fluid. In addition, other substances such as hyaluronic acid or cellulose-like substances may be contained.
Indication for artificial tear fluid
Artificial tear fluid is always indicated when the body’s own tear film can no longer adequately fulfil its function. This can be manifested, for example, by constantly dry (xerophthalmia), irritated, itchy, reddened or light-sensitive eyes. Pain in the eye, foreign body sensation or frequent infections can also occur.
It is important to find the cause of the symptoms. These can be quite harmless, such as dry ambient air or long hours working at a computer screen. Even with age, the production of tear fluid often decreases, which can lead to dry eyes.
However, the eye can also be damaged by a loss of the nerve that supplies the facial muscles (facial paresis). This nerve (N. facialis) also supplies the muscles that close the eye (M. orbicularis oculi). If it fails, incomplete closure of the eyelid occurs, so that more tear fluid evaporates.
In this case it may be necessary to administer artificial tear fluid. Dry eyes can also occur in the context of inflammation of the conjunctiva (conjunctivitis) or inflammation of other parts of the eye. Here, in addition to the treatment of the infection, artificial tear fluid can also be used.
Dry eyes also occur in Sicca syndrome. Sicca syndrome is a combination of dry eyes and dry mouth, which occurs in the context of an autoimmune disease (Sjörgens syndrome). In this syndrome, glands in the body are attacked by the immune system, so the tear glands are also affected. Here, too, replacement with artificial tear fluid should be created. In general, the cause of permanently dry eyes should be clarified by an eye specialist.
All articles in this series:
