Dry eye syndrome is a common eye health issue affecting many people today. It can be defined as the insufficient moisture in the eyes due to reduced tear production or rapid tear evaporation. This condition leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, and a foreign body sensation in the eyes. The increase in screen usage brought by modern life, artificial environments like air conditioning, and certain medical conditions have increased the prevalence of dry eye syndrome.
Causes
Causes of dry eyes include aging, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiency, prolonged screen exposure, contact lens use, side effects of certain medications, and various systemic diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis). Additionally, spending long periods in low-humidity environments can accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dry eyes.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of dry eye syndrome include eye redness, burning and stinging sensations, foreign body sensation, heaviness of eyelids, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. These symptoms are generally observed in both eyes and may intensify, especially by the end of the day.
Precautions
Some precautions that can be taken to prevent dry eye syndrome and alleviate its symptoms include:
- Regulating Screen Use: Prolonged screen use reduces the frequency of blinking. Looking at a distance of 20 feet (approximately 6 meters) for 20 seconds every 20 minutes can help rest the eyes.
- Humidification: Avoiding dry environments and using humidifiers can prevent tear evaporation.
- Healthy Nutrition: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can enhance tear quality.
- Tear Substitutes: Artificial tear drops can help moisten the eyes. Regular use can provide relief.
Living with Dry Eye: Daily Life Considerations
Dry eye syndrome is a bothersome condition that can affect quality of life. Thus, changing certain habits and taking steps to protect eye health in daily life is important. Staring at computer and phone screens for extended periods can increase symptoms of eye dryness. To minimize this, the time spent in front of screens should be controlled, and conscious blinking should be encouraged frequently.
Maintaining control over humidity levels in the environment, especially in winter and air-conditioned environments, can be achieved by using humidifiers. For individuals using contact lenses, the answer to what alleviates dry eyes is often related to choosing the right lenses and regularly using tear drops. Artificial tear drops can help relieve dryness by increasing the lubrication of the eye surface.
Nutritional deficiencies that are among the causes of eye dryness should not be overlooked. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 and vitamin A supports tear production and contributes to the health of the eye surface. Nuts, fish, and leafy green vegetables are among these foods.
Dry eye is a condition that can become chronic over time. Symptoms should not be ignored, even if they are mild, and regular visits to an ophthalmologist should be scheduled. With the right diagnosis, both the cause can be determined, and an appropriate treatment plan can be created.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of eye dryness, and when should I consult a doctor?
Symptoms of eye dryness include stinging, burning, redness, blurred vision, light sensitivity, and foreign body sensation. If these complaints increase when spending long periods in front of a screen or in air-conditioned environments, it may mean your tear production is insufficient. If symptoms become regular or affect your daily life, you should consult an eye health specialist.
What helps alleviate eye dryness?
The main methods to alleviate eye dryness include regular use of artificial tear drops, limiting screen time, developing a habit of blinking, consuming foods containing omega-3, and humidifying the environment you are in. Reducing or choosing specialized contact lenses can also be beneficial.
Is dry eye syndrome a permanent disease?
Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition but can be controlled with proper treatment and lifestyle changes. Symptoms may periodically increase or decrease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to preventing permanent damage. If there is an underlying systemic disease, treating this condition can also affect eye dryness.
How long can artificial tear drops be used?
Artificial tear drops are generally suitable for long-term use. However, drops containing preservatives can harm the eye surface in the long run. Therefore, it is healthier to choose drops based on doctor's recommendation and to determine usage frequency on an individual basis.