About Dry Eyes

Dry eyes and digital eye strain1, 2

Digital eye strain has been an emerging healthcare problem with the advent of technology and the digital revolution. It is usually because of prolonged usage of digital screens. Digital eyes strain has symptoms like watering of eyes, headache, burning sensation, dry eye, irritation, and blurred vision3, though not serious, but can be annoying and lead to considerable discomfort.

Typically, glands in our eyes make tears that keep the eyes wet. Dry eye disease is common when the eyes don’t make enough tears to stay wet and can’t provide sufficient lubrication for the eyes. Patients with dry eye disease may experience discomfort and pain, which may lead to serious vision problems and compromised quality of life.

Symptoms4, 5, 6

Common symptoms of dry eye disease include:

  • Scratchy sensation or gritty feeling in eyes
  • Stinging or burning feelings in the eyes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Redness in eyes
  • Watery eyes
  • Blurred vision or eye fatigue
  • A sensation of heavy eyelids
  • Excessive blinking
  • Sharp and dull pain behind the eye or around the orbit.
Management1, 4

Dry eye disease is chronic in nature and typically requires long-term treatment. The therapy for dry eye usually depends on the causative factor and may require both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. The primary approaches used to manage and treat dry eye disease include:

  • Using the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break to view an object 20 feet away after 20 minutes of computer work/usage of digital screens)
  • Using over-the-counter artificial tear solutions to replace or supplement the natural tear film
  • Conserving tears by blocking tear ducts using gel-like plugs, surgical procedures to close tear ducts, device-based therapies like moisture chamber goggles, etc
  • Increasing tear production using supplements source
  • Treating eyelid or ocular surface inflammation using corticosteroids, antibiotics, warm compress, and lid massage
Precautions5, 7

Patients are advised to take the following steps to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes:

  • Use artificial tears regularly to keep the eyes well-lubricated
  • Blink regularly when reading or using digital screens for long periods
  • Increase humidity in the air at your home and work
  • Wear wraparound sunglasses when out to reduce exposure to drying winds and sun
  • Avoid air getting blown in your eyes by positioning hair dryers and air conditioners away from the face
  • Avoid environments that are drier than usual, e.g., airplanes, deserts, etc.
  • Use the 20-20-20 rule (taking a 20-second break to view an object 20 feet away after 20 minutes of long hours of computer work/usage on digital screens)