Screens are everywhere. Laptops, mobile phones, tabs, televisions, every individual of mostly every age is surrounded by digital screens. Whether it’s an office going person working 9-10 hours on a laptop or a kid playing a video game, the eye health remains at risk. In other words, maintaining optimal eye health is becoming a task and “Dry Eyes” is the most common eye condition that is often overlooked but can significantly impact daily life. Dry eyes with persistent scratching, redness and blurry vision can make routine activities like reading and driving uncomfortable.
Dry eyes usually occur when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. When you look at the screen for a long time, the eyes get irritated and tear production gets affected. If not treated properly, dry eyes can cause potential damage to the eye surface. Hence, understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment for dry eyes can help individuals manage the condition effectively and maintain optimal eye health.
What are Dry Eyes?
Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, dry eye disease or dry eye syndrome is a condition where the eyes do not make the right type of tears or when the tears dry out too quickly. When the eyes aren’t adequately lubricated, it can lead to inflammation, discomfort, and makes eyes feel uncomfortable. In fact, in some cases, it can cause serious vision problems )damage to cornea).
What Symptoms are Related to Dry Eyes?
If you are suffering from dry eyes, you can feel a scratchy, gritty, or sandy sensation. However, symptoms may also include:
- Blurry vision or difficulty focusing
- Red eyes, especially after prolonged screen time
- Stinging or burning feeling
- Light sensitivity
- Mucus that comes out of the eye
- Watery eyes
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Eye fatigue
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Several factors can contribute to dry eye syndrome. These include:
1. Environmental Factors :Exposure to dry or windy climates, air conditioning, smoke, and pollution can accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dryness and irritation.
2. Digital Screen Use : Prolonged use of computers, smartphones, and tablets reduces blinking frequency, which can cause tears to evaporate more quickly, leading to dry eyes.
3. Aging : As people age, tear production naturally decreases. Dry eyes are especially common in individuals over 50.
4. Medical Conditions : Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, and Sjögren’s syndrome, are linked to decreased tear production.
5. Medications : Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production and contribute to dry eye symptoms.
6. Hormonal Changes : Women are more likely to experience dry eyes due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or while using birth control pills.
7. Contact Lens Use : Long-term use of contact lenses can contribute to dry eyes by reducing oxygen flow to the cornea and disrupting the tear film.
8. Eye Surgery : Procedures like LASIK or cataract surgery can sometimes affect tear production and lead to temporary or long-term dry eyes.
When Should I See My Doctor?
As common as the dry eyes are, most people manage the condition by making a few changes in their lifestyle or using prescription medicines and over-the-counter eye drops. However, if the symptoms are more serious and need medical attention, consulting an eye specialist is recommended. Symptoms that you can look out for to understand whether you need to visit the eye doctor include:
- Light sensitivity that affects daily activities
- Persistent discomfort
- Changes in vision
- Severe redness, swelling, or pain in the eyes
- Frequent eye infections or signs of corneal damage
An eye doctor will perform a thorough eye exam to check the health of your eyes and recommend appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Dry Eye
Dry eyes can be treated in many ways, depending on the symptoms you have. Effective treatment include:
Use over-the-counter eye drops: if you are experiencing mild symptoms of dry eyes like scratching or a burning sensation, using over-the-counter eye drops can help keep the eyes moist. These eye drops are available at the medical stores and don’t need a prescription to buy.
Prescription medicines: are prescribed when the symptoms of dry eyes are causing more discomfort than just the itchy feeling. In this case, your eye doctor may prescribe medicines like cyclosporine (Restasis) or Lifitegrast (Xiidra), types of eye drops that help eyes produce more tears.
Lifestyle changes: Sometimes other medicines that you might be taking for another health issue can cause dry eyes and your eye doctor may suggest trying a different medicine. On the other hand, a few lifestyle changes can go a long way to make your eyes feel better. These changes include:
- Limiting screen time and taking frequent breaks.
- Trying to avoid smoke, wind, and air conditioning.
- Wearing wraparound sunglasses when you are outside.
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Getting enough sleep.
Use Tear Duct plugs: Tear duct plugs or punctal plugs can be used in the tear ducts (small holes in the inner corners of the eyes) if your eyes are draining off tears too quickly. These plugs can help keep your eyes teary (moist).
Surgery: In some cases, dry eyes can happen due to loose eyelids which can cause the tears in the eyes to drain too quickly. Hence, the eye doctor may suggest surgery in this case to fix the eyelids and help tears stay on your eyes. It is an uncommon treatment when it comes to dry eyes.
Conclusion
In today’s world, where screen interaction is the daily dose, dry eyes is a common eye condition that most people experience. However, it is easily manageable if you understand the causes, recognize the symptoms, and adopt effective eye treatments soon. For example, using over-the-counter eye drops only regularly can help alleviate discomfort and protect long-term eye health. Moreover, if symptoms persist or worsen, consulting an eye specialist is crucial to prevent potential complications. By making simple lifestyle changes and seeking medical care when necessary, individuals with dry eyes can maintain clear, comfortable vision.