Dry Eyes: What You Need to Know

Dry eyes is a condition in which the eyes do not make enough tears for lubrication. Tears are important as not only it helps to keep the eyes moist, but also can help protect the eyes from infection. When the production of tears are affected, it can cause symptoms of dry eyes, and increase the risk of infection and inflammation of the eyes.

What causes dry eyes?

The most common cause of dry eyes is prolonged use of digital screen devices such as computers and smart phones. Other causes include aging, frequent use of contact lens or certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Potential symptoms

People with dry eyes may experience a range of symptoms which differs from person to person. Symptoms of dry eyes to watch out for:

1. redness
2. burning or stinging sensation
3. watery eyes
4. blurry vision
5. light sensitivity
6. eye strain

How to reduce symptoms of dry eyes

• Cut down on screen time and give your eyes a break every 20 minutes.
• Wear sunglasses when you are outdoors to protect your eyes from the sun and wind
• Avoid wearing contact lenses for too long i.e. more than 8 hours a day
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water daily to prevent dehydration
• Take nutritional supplements with lutein, zeaxanthin, astaxanthin and other eye-friendly nutrients for optimal eye health

References:

1. Akpek EK, Amescua G, Farid M, Garcia-Ferrer FJ, Lin A, Rhee MK, et al. Dry Eye Syndrome Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2019;126(1).
2. Dry Eye [Internet]. American Optometric Association. [cited 2023Feb7]. Available from: https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/dry-eye?sso=y
3. Dry Eye [Internet]. National Eye Institute. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; [cited 2023Feb7]. Available from: https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/dry-eye
4. Verjee MA, Brissette AR, Starr CE. Dry eye disease: Early recognition with guidance on management and treatment for Primary Care Family Physicians. Ophthalmology and Therapy. 2020;9(4):877–88.
5. Giannaccare G, Pellegrini M, Senni C, Bernabei F, Scorcia V, Cicero AF. Clinical applications of astaxanthin in the treatment of ocular diseases: Emerging insights. Marine Drugs. 2020;18(5):239.