Dry eye

The dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome has a wide variety of causes, and in most cases requires the use of lubricating, moisturizing or muco-adhesive eye drops¹⁻². Théa has acquired extensive experience in this field, with the development of a complete range of preservative-free products for tear substitutes in both single-dose and ABAK® bottle form. It has been demonstrated that preservatives should be avoided because of their harmful effects on the eyelids, ocular surface and tear quality².

What is dry eye?

Dry eye

Dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome, is a chronic irritation of the surface of the eye caused by abnormalities in the quantity and/or composition of tears¹. 

Tears, produced by the lacrimal glands, are composed of water and salt. In addition, small quantities of proteins and lipids (fats) are supplied by cells (mucus cells, located in the conjunctiva, the thin membrane covering the white of the eye) and small glands (Meibomian glands) located in the eyelids³. 

Regular blinking of the eyelids mixes and spreads these different components, forming a moisturizing, lubricating and protective film that adheres to the surface of the eye, known as the “tear film”.

Dry eye symptoms

Dry eye

The symptoms of dry eyes are not specific, and can also be encountered in the case of allergies or eye infections... Only an ophthalmologist can diagnose dry eyes, using specific tests to assess the quantity and quality of tears. 

Symptoms of dry eyes can include: 

  • Burning, stinging or gritty sensations in the eyes, itching or even eye pain, difficulty opening the eyes on awakening.
  • Visual discomfort, blurred vision, fluctuating vision over time, eyestrain: This can mean difficulty reading, watching TV or driving, especially at night.
  • More frequent blinking.
  • Tearing which, paradoxically, can be excessive, or, on the contrary, sticky tears.
  • The eyes, and sometimes the eyelids, can be red.
  • Sensitivity to light.
  • Difficulty tolerating your contact lenses if you wear them⁴. 

 

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, consult an eye care profesional

What causes dry eyes?

Dry eye

Dry eyes can result from a variety of circumstances leading to reduced tear production. 

Factors such as aging⁵, menopause, the use of certain medications⁶ (such as hormone treatments, antihistamines, or antidepressants) and certain autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes, can contribute to this condition⁶⁻⁷. 

Tear evaporation is also promoted by situations such as inflammation, which damages the Meibomian glands and mucus cells. Various factors can trigger ocular inflammation, such as air pollution and fumes⁸, prolonged wear or inadequate maintenance of contact lenses⁶⁻⁷, use of masks⁸, use of make-up⁹, use of preservative-containing eye drops⁷, prolonged work on screens⁷⁻¹⁰, lack of sleep⁷, and many others. In addition, environmental factors such as wind, air conditioning¹⁰ and dry ambient air can aggravate tear evaporation, intensifying the risk of dry eyes. 

A thorough understanding of these multiple factors is essential for effective dry eye management by an ophthalmologist.

Other expertises

  • Allergy

    Allergy

    Asthma, rhinitis, food allergies... the prevalence of allergies has increased dramatically in recent decades to the point that it is estimated that nearly one-third of the world's population suffers from some form of allergy¹⁻². In the field of ocular allergy, corticosteroids have revealed their side effects over time, leading the industry to develop therapeutic alternatives³⁻⁴. Théa was a pioneer with the discovery of a multifactorial antiallergic molecule, followed by the development of preservative-free antiallergic eye drops, both in the ABAK® bottle and in single-dose form.

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  • Eyelid hygiene

    Eyelid hygiene

    Many ocular pathologies are linked to poor hygiene of the eyelids and the eye contour. Théa collaborated with leading experts in galenic science and ophthalmology to create a range of products specifically for eyelid hygiene. This range includes gels such as Blephagel® (for sensitive eyelid hygiene), sterile wipes like Blephaclean® (for eyelid and sensitive skin hygiene), as well as micellar solutions such as Blephasol® (for eyelid and eyelash hygiene).

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  • Glaucoma

    Glaucoma

    Glaucoma is characterized by damage to the optic nerve, leading to visual field loss. It is the third leading cause of blindness worldwide, following cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)⁶. Leveraging its expertise in preservative-free formulations and galenic science, Théa developed the first preservative-free beta-blocker eye drop in the multidose ABAK® bottle, followed by the first preservative-free beta-blocker gel for once-daily use.

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  • Anesthesia

    Anesthesia

    Our products provide essential support to ophthalmologists during various surgical procedures (such as cataract surgery), enhancing the precision of operations while ensuring optimal patient comfort. Théa is committed to providing advanced solutions for clearer vision and a more comfortable surgical experience.

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  • Eye infection

    Eye infection

    In this area, Théa is a major player with a range of eye drops and ointments, including antiseptics and antibiotics, covering the spectrum of bacterial infections regardless of severity.

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  • Eye inflammation

    Ocular inflammation

    Ocular inflammation is associated with various conditions such as conjunctivitis, blepharitis, and keratitis. As in other fields, Théa has developed preservative-free eye drops in single-dose and multidose ABAK® bottles. This advancement minimizes the aggravating factors of ocular inflammations caused by preservatives⁷.

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