Dry eye syndrome is a chronic condition that occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. Some individuals experience ocular discomfort after prolonged periods of computer or smartphone use, and seeking professional guidance helps patients find relief. Here is more information on dry eyes and the role digital screens play in exacerbating symptoms:
What Are Dry Eyes?
Dry eyes are a condition of the ocular surface that results in symptoms of discomfort, visual disturbances, and tear-film instability. It typically manifests in two primary forms: aqueous deficient dry eye and evaporative dry eye. Aqueous deficient dry eye occurs when the lacrimal glands fail to produce enough watery fluid, while evaporative dry eye is caused by blockage or inflammation of the meibomian glands. Understanding the type of dry eye a patient has is necessary to determine the appropriate course of management.
What Causes Them?
Various factors contribute to the development of dry eye syndrome, ranging from biological aging processes to environmental conditions. As individuals age, tear production naturally diminishes, and this reduction may be more pronounced in women due to hormonal changes during menopause. Certain medical conditions, such as Sjogren’s syndrome and blepharitis, are systemic causes of ocular dryness.
Medications are another frequent contributor to tear film instability. Antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can reduce tear production as a side effect, leading to discomfort. Environmental factors like dry climates also increase tear evaporation, and indoor heating or air conditioning further dehydrate the ocular surface.
How Is Screen Time Connected?
The use of digital devices is linked to an increase in dry eye symptoms, a phenomenon referred to as computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain. When individuals focus intently on a digital screen, their blink rate decreases. This reduction in blinking allows tears to evaporate more rapidly, and this leaves the cornea exposed and dry.
Incomplete blinking is typical during screen use. The eyelids may not fully close during a blink, and this prevents proper distribution of the lipid layer across the eye surface. This leads to tear film instability and exacerbates evaporative dry eye, causing the user to experience fatigue and blurred vision.
What Are the Treatment Options?
Managing dry eye syndrome involves a professional approach, beginning with over-the-counter remedies and progressing to advanced clinical interventions. Artificial tears are a standard treatment; they offer temporary relief by supplementing natural tear production. For chronic cases, prescription eye drops reduce corneal inflammation and help increase natural tear production over time.
For patients who do not respond to topical drops, punctal plugs offer a mechanical solution. These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage, and they keep tears on the surface of the eye for longer periods. This procedure is simple, reversible, and performed in-office to conserve the patient’s natural tears.
In severe cases where corneal healing is required, Prokera is a therapeutic option. Prokera is a medical device made from amniotic membrane tissue, and it is placed on the eye to promote healing. This biological bandage protects the eye surface and aids in the regeneration of damaged corneal tissue.
Visit an Optometry Clinic
While home remedies provide temporary relief, a comprehensive eye exam is necessary for developing a long-term management plan. An optometrist will evaluate the quality of the tear film and determine the underlying cause of the dryness. Early intervention helps prevent potential corneal damage, and it may improve overall visual comfort. Visit an optometry clinic today for professional guidance.
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