DRY EYE AND EYE INFECTIONS

Tear production is extremely important in eye health. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glandand include the following functions: lubricating the eyes, removing irritants, and aiding the immune system. They are composed of three layers: lipid, aqueous, and mucous and in general are made up of water, salt, antibodies, and lysozymes although the composition can vary. Emotional tears, for example, are different to those caused by irritants. Whether it is dry eye or an infection, reliefis available at the pharmacy.

PTA: Guten Tag.
Female customer: I’m sorry but I don’t speak German.

No problem. I speak a little English. How may I help you?
I was just at the ophthalmologist and she wanted to prescribe steroids or ciclosporin for my eyes.

Do you have dry eye syndrome? 
Yes, that’s what she said. Apparently it isn’t that bad. Thank goodness I went to her when I did! I only got a quick appointment because of a cancellation!

Yes, they are very much in demand. Do you have a prescription?
No, I told her I would try an OTC product first to see if that helps.

Do you mind me asking a few questions so that I can give you the correct medication for your problem?
No, not at all.

Okay. Do you use contact lenses? You see they can cause irritation to the surface of the eye.
No, I don’t.

Is there any discharge from your eyes? I know it sounds contradictory, but when the eyes are irritated, they release tears.
No, thankfully, there is no discharge.

That’s good. Do you work on the computer a lot?
Yes, in fact I do. Why?

When we concentrate, we don’t blink as much as normal, and this is one of the things that can lead to dry eye. Reading for longer periods, driving, and watching television are some of the others. Smoke, hot air, draughts, and dust can also cause it.
So, what do you recommend?

We have artificial tears without preservatives, which will not further irritate your eyes, in an eye-drop bottle, or as single use phials.
I’ll take the single use phials as the doctor recommended applying the drops a few times a day.

Please make sure not to touch your eyes with the phial, as that could irritate them. And if you notice that it is not getting better, you should go to your ophthalmologist immediately!
Of course!

Goodbye.
Thank you and goodbye.

You can find this article at PTA IN DER APOTHEKE 04/2020 on page 52.

Catherine Croghan, Lecturer in English and native speaker