Hello everyone! We’re excited to be back with more insights on a common eye issue that affects so many of us: dry eyes. If you spend long hours staring at screens and find your eyes are constantly dry, itchy, or tired, you’ll want to read on!

What is Dry Eye Disease?

Think of tears as the super-important oil that keeps the machine of your eyes running smoothly. They nourish and protect the surface of your eyes. Dry eye disease happens when either you don’t produce enough tears or what you do produce isn’t the right quality. This leads to uncomfortable dryness, scratchiness, and sometimes even blurred vision.

Why Are We Seeing More Dry Eyes?

We love our tech, don’t we? The thing is, all those hours in front of computers, smartphones, and tablets take a toll on our eyes. When we focus on screens, we blink a lot less than normal. And remember, it’s blinking that helps spread those essential tears! Less blinking leads to dry eyes.

Other factors that can make dry eyes worse:

• Age: Our tear production tends to decrease as we get older.
• Environment: Air conditioning, heating, and even windy weather can dry out your eyes.
• Medications: Some medications, including antihistamines and blood pressure drugs, can reduce tear production.
• Medical conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid problems, and others can affect tear production.

Signs and Symptoms: Tell-Tale Clues

Dry eyes can be a real pain, literally. You might experience symptoms like:

• Stinging or burning
• Scratchy, sandy feeling
• Redness
• Feeling like something’s in your eye
• Stringy mucus
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses
• Blurred vision
• Watery eyes (Yep, watery eyes can be a sign they’re actually too dry – your body tries to compensate)

Don’t Ignore It: Why Treating Dry Eyes Matters

Dry eyes are more than just a nuisance. When left untreated, they can scratch the surface of your eyes, potentially leading to blurry vision and a higher chance of eye infections.

The Good News: Help is Available at Shiv Jyoti Eye Hospital

If you’re struggling with dry eye symptoms, come see us at Shiv Jyoti Eye Hospital. Here’s how we can help:

• Accurate Diagnosis: We use state-of-the-art dry eye diagnostic machines to measure your tear production and quality. This helps us understand exactly what’s causing your problem.
• Personalized Treatment: Treatment will depend on how severe your case is and what the underlying cause might be. Some of our options include:

• Artificial tears (eye drops): These over-the-counter drops are like a quick splash of water for your eyes, providing temporary relief. Look for preservative-free options if you need them frequently.
• Prescription eye drops: For more severe cases, these can help reduce inflammation and encourage tear production.
• Warm compresses: Gentle heat can help your glands produce more natural tears. Try a warm, moist washcloth across your closed eyes for a few minutes.
• Punctal plugs: If your tears drain too quickly, your doctor may suggest small plugs that help keep moisture in your eyes.
• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: This advanced treatment uses light pulses to stimulate the glands responsible for tear production, improving dry eye symptoms.
• Lifestyle changes: We’ll guide you about how to protect your eyes from getting worse (see below!).

Prevention: Protecting Your Precious Eyesight

While dry eyes can be treated, it’s even better to prevent them whenever possible! Follow these tips:

• The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This lets your eyes relax and blink!
• Conscious blinking: Remind yourself to blink often while working on a screen.
• Screen Breaks: Take longer breaks throughout the day.
• Screen Position: Position your computer screen slightly below eye level and at a comfortable distance (about an arm’s length away).
• Hydrate: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Humidifiers: If you live or work in a dry environment, a humidifier can add moisture to the air.
• Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses on sunny or windy days, and protective eyewear when necessary.
• Eye Makeup: Limit eye makeup and be sure to remove it thoroughly before bed.
• Omega-3s: Some studies suggest a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids might help.