Millions of people in the U.S. suffer from chronic dry eye disease, a condition in which not enough tears are produced to properly lubricate the eye. Severe dry-eye cases, if untreated, may lead to scarring of the cornea or loss of vision. If you suffer from persistently dry eyes, please seek the advice of your eye doctor.
Symptoms of Dry-Eye:
- Itching
- Burning
- Blurred vision that improves with blinking
- Redness Irritation
- Discomfort after reading
- Discomfort after watching TV or working on a computer
- Discomfort after working on a computer
- Excessive irritant tearing that does not lubricate the eyes like healthy tears
Causes:
- Aging – Because testosterone is crucial in tear production, as women age and testosterone productions decreases, glands become more susceptible to inflammation and irritation.
- Disease- Sjögren’s Syndrome, for example is a condition in which a person’s white blood cells attack their moisture producing glands.
- Environmental & situational factors- smoke, dry air, dust, contacts wear, too much time on the computer or spent watching TV
Treatments:
- Ultraviolet Sunglasses
- Artificial Tears
- Prescription Medication
Restasis® – A New Prescription Therapy
The FDA-approved eye drop called Restasis® helps increase natural tear production in patients with dry eye disease. After periods of regular use, patients experience significant improvement and a reduction of symptoms. Restasis® drops are normally prescribed to be used once or twice per day and your doctor may suggest additional eye drops in addition to Restasis® therapy.
Take a 20-second Computer Break
Staring at a computer (or any digital screen won’t hurt your eyes, but it can make them feel tried ad dry. Surprisingly, we blink about half as often when we’re looking at a screen. Follow the 20/20/20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Also place your screen so it’s about 25 inches away and slightly away below eye level. Cut glare by moving light sources or using screen filter.