Causes, Symptoms, and Precautions for Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a common eye health issue that affects many people today. It can be defined as a condition where the eyes do not get adequately moisturized due to insufficient tear production or rapid evaporation of tears. This leads to uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, stinging, redness, blurred vision, and a foreign body sensation in the eyes. The increasing use of screens in modern life, artificial environments like air-conditioned spaces, and certain medical conditions have contributed to the rising prevalence of dry eye syndrome.

Causes

The causes of dry eye include aging, hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, prolonged screen time, contact lens use, side effects of certain medications, and various systemic diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis). Additionally, spending extended periods in environments with low humidity can accelerate tear evaporation, leading to dry eyes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms experienced by individuals with dry eye syndrome include redness, a burning or stinging sensation, a foreign body sensation, a feeling of heaviness in the eyelids, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. These symptoms typically affect both eyes and may worsen towards the end of the day.

Precautions

Some measures to prevent dry eye syndrome and alleviate its symptoms include:

Regulating Screen Use: Prolonged screen use reduces the frequency of blinking. Taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet (about 6 meters) away can help rest the eyes.
Humidification: Avoiding dry environments and using humidifiers can prevent tear evaporation.
Healthy Diet: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve tear quality.
Tear Substitutes: Artificial tear drops can help moisturize the eyes. Regular use can provide relief.

If symptoms persist or worsen, it is important to consult an eye health and diseases specialist. Experts can recommend treatment methods tailored to your specific condition. Dry eye syndrome is a manageable condition with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to take necessary precautions as soon as you notice symptoms and seek medical help if needed.