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Dry eyes are one of the common health issues, especially among those who work in front of computer screens, read books, or drive for long periods. This disease causes discomfort, irritation, and pain for those affected.
Dry eyes are a common problem for many people in modern life. In particular, those who frequently sit in front of a computer screen for long periods are at risk for this condition. While not particularly dangerous, this condition can cause symptoms such as fatigue, redness, irritation, and decreased work productivity. In severe cases, patients may experience gradual or permanent vision loss.
Dry eyes due to insufficient tear production: The glands within and around the eyelids produce tears to moisten them. This ability decreases gradually with age or in individuals with eye-related diseases.
Dry eyes due to excessive tear evaporation: This condition occurs due to decreased blinking frequency and increased evaporation rate. Office workers mainly encounter it because they often work with computers. Other causes may include meibomian gland dysfunction, malnutrition, allergic conjunctivitis… Furthermore, environmental and weather factors can also lead to this condition.
Signs of dry eyes
What causes dry and irritated eyes?
Symptoms of the disease can vary from person to person and depend on the severity of the condition. However, typical symptoms of dry eyes include:
Discomfort, dryness, and irritation: This is the most common symptom of dry eyes. When the eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears lack sufficient moisture, you may feel that these parts are dehydrated, stiff, uncomfortable, and irritated.
Red eyes can indicate various eye conditions, including dry eyes. When the eye surface is arid and irritated, the eyes may become red and develop small bumps.
Blurred vision and reduced visual acuity: In this case, vision can be affected, causing some problems such as blurred vision, hazy vision, or reduced visual acuity.
A sensation of a foreign body or heaviness in the eyes: Some people may feel like they have something poking or weighing down on their eyes, causing discomfort and pain.
Sticking eyelids due to excessive discharge: Tears may not be distributed evenly, leading to sticking eyelids and discharge in the morning. This can make it difficult to open your eyes and cause blurry vision.
The above dry eye symptoms can reduce your quality of life and affect your ability to work, study, drive, or engage in sports activities. Therefore, as soon as you notice these symptoms, you should seek medical attention to diagnose and treat this promptly.
Diagnosis and treatment of dry eyes
To diagnose dry eyes, an eye doctor may ask you some questions and perform some tests, including measuring the number of tears and checking the protection of the oil layer.
As soon as you detect the signs such as itchy, light sensitivity, fleeting blurred vision, or if you have conditions such as eyelid inflammation, eyelash loss, etc., you should go to the hospital to be examined and appropriately treated by doctors. Treatment methods may include using eye drops such as saline or other eye drops to reduce symptoms of the disease.
Treating dry eyes by using eye drops
Simultaneously, during the consultation with the ophthalmologist, the patient should actively provide complete information about their age, work environment, and current diseases (eczema, psoriasis) to be accurately diagnosed and treated.
For mild cases, using artificial tears, lubricating eye drops, anti-inflammatory agents, or supplementing with essential vitamins and fatty acids can help reduce symptoms of the disease. In severe cases, surgery is the optimal treatment for dehydrated eyesight.
Properly Preventing Dry Eyes
To prevent dry eyes properly, you can apply the following measures:
Take regular eye breaks while working: Especially when working with a computer screen or mobile device, take a few minutes to rest your eyes after every hour of work to reduce pressure and eye fatigue.
Protect your eyes from sunlight: Sunlight can damage your eyes, especially when you’re outside for an extended period. So, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes when going outside, especially at noon.
Provide enough water for your body: Drinking water daily helps maintain moisture, including your eyes. So, drinking 8-10 glasses of water daily is a must.
Avoid exposure to smoke, dust, and chemicals: Smoke, dust, and chemicals can irritate and cause dry eye syndrome. So, avoid exposure to these agents if possible. • Eat a balanced diet with all necessary nutrients: Nutrients such as vitamins A, C, and E play an important role in maintaining eye health. So, eat a balanced diet with nutrient-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, eggs, and meat to help keep your eyes healthy.
5 Simple Tips to Help Office Workers Reduce Dry Eyes
Ways to reduce dry eyes for office workers
Create a safe distance between your eyes and the screen. The ideal distance between your eyes and the screen is 50-60 cm.
Adjust the brightness of the screen. A screen that is too bright or too dark can cause strain on the eyes. Adjust the brightness and darkness to match your working environment.
Practice regular eye exercises. Regularly practising eye exercises effectively reduce eye strain and dry eyes. Taking a break from your screen every hour is recommended to reduce eye strain and fatigue. Look away and focus on something about 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds.
Use UV-blocking glasses. Ultraviolet rays from sunlight and electronic devices can be harmful to your eyes. Using UV-blocking glasses when you are outside and when working with a computer can help protect your eyes.
Adjust the intensity of the lights in the room. A workspace with lighting that is too bright or too dark can be harmful to your eyes. If your workspace is too bright or too dark, adjust the lights to create a more comfortable working environment for your eyes.
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