What causes oculolithiasis?
Dec 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Cui Xin
Introduction
Concretions refer to eye stones, which may be caused by poor eye habits, dry eyes, external irritants, pathogenic microorganism infections, or secondary to other eye diseases. Prolonged use of electronic devices such as smartphones and computers may lead to excessive eye fatigue, increase the evaporation rate of tears, and cause crystalline substances to deposit on the eye surface, forming eye stones.
Concretions refer to eye stones, which may be caused by poor eye habits, dry eyes, external irritants, pathogenic microorganism infections, or secondary complications from other eye diseases. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Poor Eye Habits
Extended use of electronic devices such as mobile phones and computers may lead to excessive eye fatigue and increased evaporation of tears, causing crystalline substances to deposit on the eye surface and form eye stones.
2. Dry Eyes
Insufficient tear production or abnormal tear quality can result in dryness, leaving the eye inadequately lubricated and protected. This may cause water to evaporate excessively, concentrating undissolved substances and forming crystalline deposits on the eye surface.
3. External Irritants
If dust or chemical substances enter the eyes, they may irritate the ocular surface and trigger inflammatory responses, altering eye secretions and leading to coagulated material that promotes eye stone formation.
4. Pathogenic Microorganism Infection
When immunity is reduced, infections by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other pathogens activate the immune system and release inflammatory mediators. Cellular debris, shed epithelial cells, bacterial remnants, and other materials in the secretions may coagulate and form eye stones.
5. Secondary to Eye Diseases
Conditions such as trachoma, dry eye syndrome, and chronic conjunctivitis can induce ocular inflammation and changes in secretions, increasing the likelihood of developing eye stones.
It is recommended to seek timely medical attention. Diagnosis can be confirmed using a flashlight examination or slit-lamp microscopy, followed by symptomatic treatment based on disease severity.
