Dry Eye Syndrome (Sicca Syndrome): Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Are you familiar with the sensation of every blink feeling like sandpaper on glass? Dry eyes are far more than just a minor inconvenience after a long day at the office. For many of our patients in Zurich, so-called “Sicca syndrome” is a constant shadow that robs them of concentration and spoils the pleasure of reading or relaxed evening drives. Have you ever wondered why your eyes can burn despite tearing up? “Dry eyes are a serious chronic condition, not a mere disturbance of well-being,” emphasizes Dr. Victor Derhartunian. Here, we dispel myths and show you ways to finally get rid of that annoying burning sensation.

What will you learn in this text?

• What exactly is hidden behind the term Sicca syndrome? It describes a disorder of your tear film, caused either by insufficient fluid or an incorrect composition of the tears.
• Which symptoms literally scream for attention? Typically, those affected complain of a burning sensation, reddened eyelids, or the classic “gritty feeling.”
• Why are our modern screens often the main culprits? When we stare intently at monitors, we blink significantly less often, causing the protective film on the eye to simply break away.
• What role do the Meibomian glands play in all of this? If these small glands in the eyelid margin become blocked, the oily protective layer is missing and your tears evaporate far too quickly.
• What high-tech solutions does modern ophthalmology offer today? Today, we use everything from tiny punctum plugs to innovative IPL light therapy to tackle the problem at its root.

Understanding Sicca Syndrome: More Than Just Dry Eyes

Definition: What happens with a disrupted tear film?

Our tear film is a true masterpiece of biology. It does not simply consist of water, but is composed of three layers: a mucus layer directly on the eye, a watery layer in the middle, and a protective oil layer on top. If this balance tips—perhaps because the quantity is insufficient or the quality of the mixture is incorrect—your cornea is suddenly partially “exposed.” The result? Constant irritation and inflammation that stress the eye.

When it becomes chronic: Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca and Keratitis

If you ignore the problem for too long, it can develop into a chronic inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, which we medical professionals call keratoconjunctivitis sicca. In the worst case, small defects even form on the corneal surface. This keratitis is not only painful but can permanently impair your vision. Who wants to risk their sight becoming permanently blurred?

Investigating the causes: Why eyes dry out

Biological factors: Age and hormonal imbalance

Over the years, our bodies naturally produce less tear fluid. Women in menopause, in particular, often notice this shift very clearly, as hormonal fluctuations directly affect the mucous membranes. While we cannot stop time, we can alleviate the symptoms.

Environmental influences and digital lifestyle: Heated air and screen time

We live in a world that literally “dries out” our eyes. Air conditioning in the office and heated air in winter literally pull the moisture out of the eye. Have you ever heard of “office eye syndrome”? Those who stare at screens for hours reduce their blink rate by up to 60%. Information on how we manage dry eyes helps in taking the first step here.

Medical triggers: Medications and autoimmune diseases

Sometimes the cause lies in the medicine cabinet. Certain active ingredients in beta-blockers or antidepressants reduce tear production as a side effect. Diseases such as rheumatism or Sjögren’s syndrome also often directly attack the tear glands. We always clarify such backgrounds in a personal consultation.

Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD): When the protective layer is missing

In over 80% of cases, it is not a lack of water, but a lack of oil. When the Meibomian glands in the eyelid become blocked, the “sealing” of the tear film is missing. Without this oil layer, the moisture on your eye evaporates faster than you can blink.

Symptoms: How to recognize dry eyes

Classic signs: Foreign body sensation, burning, and redness

Does your eye feel tired, does it burn, or does it hurt with every look? Paradoxically, many patients also report watery eyes. This sounds illogical, but it is a classic cry for help: since the protective film is unstable, the gland produces massive amounts of inferior water that simply runs out of the eye instead of adhering to it.

Visual impairments: Blurred vision and light sensitivity

A patchy tear film acts like a dirty windshield. The light refracts incorrectly, your vision becomes blurred—often particularly bad in the evening—and suddenly every oncoming car dazzles you massively. Does this sound familiar to you?

Modern therapy options: Help for strained eyes

Basic therapy: Artificial tears, gels, and ointments

To start with, preservative-free drops with hyaluronic acid often help. They artificially replace the missing moisture. We primarily use gels and ointments for the night, as they adhere to the surface longer and allow the eye to regenerate. If you would like to know more about the treatment of dry eyes, we would be happy to provide you with comprehensive advice.

Eyelid margin care: Warm compresses and lipid sprays

To make the hardened oil in the glands liquid again, warm compresses (approx. 42°C) work wonders. Lipid sprays, which you simply spray onto the closed eyelid, stabilize the outer oil layer with every blink. It is like a small wellness treatment for your eyelids.

Mechanical support: Punctum Plugs (tear duct inserts)

If we cannot produce enough tears, we simply stop the drainage. We insert tiny plugs made of silicone or collagen (punctum plugs) into the tear ducts. This way, your own valuable tear fluid remains much longer where it is needed: on the eye.

Innovative technology: IPL therapy (Intense Pulsed Light)

For chronic complaints, IPL therapy is a real “game changer.” Gentle light pulses stimulate the nerves around the glands and curb inflammation. In this way, we reactivate your glands so that they produce high-quality oil on their own again.

Special solutions for severe cases: Scleral and bandage lenses

If nothing else helps, we turn to scleral lenses. These special hard lenses arch over the cornea and form a permanent fluid reservoir. In this way, your eye essentially swims in a protective moisture bath all day long.

Expert opinion: Dr. Victor Derhartunian

“I often see patients who have already been through a years-long odyssey with random eye drops. At EyeLaser Zurich, we look for the specific cause—whether it is a lack of water or an evaporation problem. Only if we provide targeted therapy, such as with IPL treatment, can we truly break the vicious cycle of inflammation and dryness.”

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Do eye drops actually help against the cause?

Mostly they only briefly alleviate the symptoms but do not cure the underlying problem. To clear blocked glands, we often need more intensive methods such as eyelid margin care or light therapy.

Can I wear contact lenses despite dry eyes?

It is more difficult, but not impossible. We then often recommend special materials or scleral lenses. Close monitoring is important so that your cornea is not damaged.

Are dry eyes normal after eye laser surgery?

A temporary dry eye after procedures such as LASIK is common. We therefore prepare your eye optimally in advance and support healing with intensive lubrication until everything has settled down again.