Ways to Protect Your Eye Health Against Modern Life
Dry eye, which has become more common in recent years, especially with the widespread use of office working models and smart devices; A problem that manifests itself with complaints such as stinging, burning, and redness. However, it is possible to control this problem throughout life with a consistent, determined and patient treatment.
Dry eye, which occurs when the eye surface is not moistened sufficiently, is a condition that sometimes develops due to low tear production, sometimes due to loss of tears, or secondary factors that may cause dryness. Anadolu Health Center Ophthalmology Specialist Dr. Burcu Usta Uslu points out that when dry eye is managed effectively, complaints decrease. In our article prepared with the information provided by our expert, it will be enough for you to spare 1-2 minutes for many important information, from the causes of the problem to its diagnosis and treatment.
What Causes Dry Eye?
There are many factors that cause dry eyes, but we can list some of the prominent reasons as follows:
- Intensive use of smart devices (such as phones, tablets, laptops)
- Working in air-conditioned environments
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Diet low in essential oils (fragrant vegetable oils)
- Various systemic diseases (such as rheumatological diseases)
- Some drugs used for systemic diseases
How is it noticed?
Symptoms vary depending on the background of dry eye and accompanying diseases. Patients’ complaints generally include stinging, burning, redness, irritation (feeling like a foreign object has escaped), blurred vision, or poor vision towards the end of the day.
The First Step in the Diagnostic Process, the Patient’s Story
For patients who consult a doctor with dry eye symptoms, it is important to first listen to their history for a definitive diagnosis. In the next step, some findings on the patient’s eye surface and eyelid are examined using a device called a biomicroscope. Next is the fluorescein dye test. This test is performed to check the time it takes for tears to disperse by staining the tear film. In addition, measurements of the meibomian glands and tear quality in the eye are provided with the meibography device, which is used at Anadolu Health Center and which images the tear film layer and is not available in every clinic.
How Are Artificial Tears Used to Treat Dry Eye?
Artificial (artificial) tears are actually a product that should be used completely under the supervision of a doctor. While most of them come in drop and gel forms, the contents and compositions of each are different from each other. It does not have a standard usage; It can be used 2 to 5 times a day under the supervision of a doctor.
Dry Eye Is a “Manageable” Problem
It is not right to say that dry eye can be treated, because this problem lasts a lifetime as long as the underlying causes of dry eye remain in the patient’s life. Therefore, instead of saying it is treatable, it is a more accurate approach to call it a “manageable” problem. It is possible to reduce complaints and effectively manage dry eye by keeping the underlying factors or environmental conditions under control, continuing tear-supporting treatments, and using laser treatments.
The incidence of dry eyes has increased significantly, especially in recent years, with the widespread use of the office type working model. Today, the prevalence of dry eye in the general population has increased to 70%.
