Long hours of screen time, air conditioning, pollution, contact lens wear and changes in lifestyle are making dry eyes more and more common. A lot of people ignore the first symptoms, like occasional burning, mild irritation, redness, or the feeling of something stuck in the eye. But sometimes these symptoms may be the beginning of dry eye disease.
Having routine checks of the eyes will help to detect dry eye early even when you have slight symptoms. The early detection allows proper management of the disease along with modification of one's lifestyle before the disorder affects one’s day-to-day activities. Sarvesh Health City is one health institution that offers full eye care along with patient education on eye checkups.
What Is Dry Eye and Why Does It Happen?
Dry eye is when the eyes don't produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too fast. Tears are important because they keep the surface of the eye smooth, comfortable and protected.
There are several factors that can contribute to the risk of dry eye including:
- Long hours staring at computers, phones or tablets
- Less blinking of the eyes when on digital screens
- Exposure to air conditioner, fan, dust and pollution
- Extended wear contact lenses
- Getting older
- Some medications
- Smoking or exposure to the smoke
- Some medical conditions
- Lifestyle habits and lack of sleep
Dry eye may begin as occasional discomfort but persistent dry eye can impact quality of life and make activities such as reading, driving or working on the computer uncomfortable.
Regular Eye Exams Can Help Detect Dry Eye Early
Regular eye exams can help to detect dry eye early.
One of the biggest benefits of regular eye exams is that an eye specialist can detect changes you might not notice on your own.
During the eye examination, the doctor might examine the tear film, the surface of the eye, the blinking pattern, and other things associated with dry eye. The tests you should have will depend on your symptoms and risk factors.
An early evaluation can help figure out whether your symptoms are due to dry eye or another eye issue. This is useful because redness, irritation, watering and blurred vision can have several possible causes.
What Are the Symptoms of Dry Eye?
A common question is, “How do I know if I have dry eyes? Early symptoms can be different for each individual.
Typical symptoms are:
- Stinging or burning sensation
- Gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes
- Redness:
- Mild itching or irritation
- Too much water.
- Blurred vision (temporary)
- Eye strain
- Increased light sensitivity
- Problems with contact lenses
- Eye strain from long hours on the computer
Interestingly, watery eyes may also be a symptom of dry eye. Irritation of the eye can cause reflex tears, but these may not provide the same long term lubrication as a healthy tear film.
Why You Should Never Ignore Mild Dry Eye Symptoms?
A bit of eye discomfort can seem like a transient problem, especially after you have been in front of a screen for several hours. But if you continue to ignore symptoms, the underlying problem can continue.
Starting early can help to identify what is causing the dryness and to start appropriate measures. Management is based on the underlying cause and degree of the problem and may entail use of lubricated eye drops, change in screen usage habits, management of environmental triggers, among others as recommended by an eye care provider.
The management isn’t just about alleviation of the symptoms, but about guaranteeing eye comfort in the long term.
How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Checked?
The frequency of the eye check-ups will depend on age, ocular health, medical history, symptoms, and risk factors.
Persons spending long periods of time in front of screens, using contact lenses, experiencing recurrent eye irritation, or changes in vision should consider getting professional eye examinations.
Even if you don’t notice any changes in your vision, you may be able to catch some eye problems early through regular eye exams.
If you are suffering from ongoing dryness, redness, discomfort or change in vision, better to see an eye specialist rather than go for home remedies alone.
Is screen time putting you at risk for dry eye?
Sure. Extended screen time can be a factor of dry eye symptoms.
When people are concentrating on a screen, they usually blink less often, or not fully. Blinking spreads the tears over the surface of the eye. So, less blinking might lead to increased tear evaporation and dryness.
One thing that one might consider is the 20-20-20 rule, where after every 20 minutes of computer usage, one takes time to view an object that is 20 feet away for about 20 seconds.
Regular breaks, keeping the right viewing distance, and blinking are some of the things that will help prevent digital eye strain.
What does a dry eye exam entail?
The dry eye test will include an analysis of your symptoms and lifestyle. The doctor will examine your eye surface and tear film.
Depending on your condition, the doctor may perform tests to check:
- Tear formation
- Stability of tears
- Tears evaporate
- Eye surface health
- Lid and Blink function
- Signs of irritation/inflammation
These tests can help your doctor learn what may be causing your symptoms and help your doctor give you the right care.
Who is at risk for dry eye?
Dry eye can occur at any age. But some people are more vulnerable.
These people who:
- Long hours working on computers
- Spend a lot of time on smartphones
- Most of the time, in air-conditioned environments
- Use contact lenses
- Are frequently exposed to dust or pollution
- Recurrent irritation of the eye
- Older adults are.
- Medications that may contribute to dryness
Recognizing these risk factors can motivate people to get their eyes examined before symptoms develop.
How can Dry Eye be prevented?
You may not be able to prevent dry eye completely, but there are several everyday habits that may lessen your symptoms and help keep your eyes comfortable.
- Have regular breaks off screens
- Working digitally? Don't forget to blink often.
- Don't stand directly in front of fans and air conditioners
- Protect your eyes from dust, high wind
- Keep yourself well hydrated
- Good nite
- Practice good contact lens hygiene
- If symptoms persist, do not use eye drops without professional advice.
- Regular eye exams are important
If the symptoms are still there after these measures, an evaluation by a professional is important.
When do you need to see an eye doctor?
In case your dry eye recurs repeatedly, hampers work or reading, causes trouble wearing contact lenses or is accompanied by redness and blurred vision, you may require to undergo an eye examination.
If you feel substantial eye pain, experience vision changes, or any other abnormal condition, you should visit a professional immediately.
Choosing an eye-care team that is well-informed can help ensure that symptoms are properly evaluated and not merely treated as a temporary irritation
Why Choose Sarvesh Health City?
Sarvesh Health City helps patients to get professional guidance for different eye related issues. Regular check-ups may help to detect problems early and facilitate timely management.
If you are looking for the Best Eye Hospital in Hisar, Sarvesh Health City has a patient-centric approach to eye care with special focus on proper evaluation, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Summary
Dry eye symptoms may be subtle at first, but early intervention can do a lot to keep your eyes comfortable. Regular eye check-ups enable specialists to assess the tear film and eye surface, detect any problems, and advise on suitable care.
If you sit for long hours in front of screens, use contact lenses or often feel burning and irritation, don’t wait until the symptoms become severe. Regular eye exams, good screen habits and professional guidance can all help protect your eyes and encourage better long-term eye health.
Sarvesh Health City is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare services and guiding patients to take timely measures for healthier vision and a better quality of life.
