What increases my risk for dry eye syndrome?

Use of screens and dry eye, related?

The mobile, the tablet, the computer … allies to increase the development of this syndrome, know the reasons

The mobile phone, the tablet, and the computer are indeed helping us to better cope with these days of quarantine, connecting us with work and family, and even transporting us to museums, concerts, and classes through social networks. They have become a lifeline against the restrictions caused by the coronavirus, which has us at home without direct contact with some of our loved ones.

But what happens to the eyes when we abuse these electronic devices? Its use can accelerate the appearance of dry eye syndrome, a visual problem whose presence has increased today, especially in the youngest.

Dr. Nabil Ragaei Kamel, head of the Ophthalmology Service at the Quirónsalud Marbella hospitals This link will open in a new window, Quirónsalud San José This link will open in a new window and the Ruber Juan Bravo Hospital Complex This link will open in a new window, we indicate that “dry eye syndrome can be called the disease of the 21st century because currently, we make a greater visual effort with all types of screens available for children and adolescents and because we frequent drier environments derived from pollution or the use of air conditioners.”

We analyze the relationship between the light from the screens and this visual problem.
Effects of screens on the eyes

Dry eye and screen use, related?

It is clear that electronic devices are part of our life: the computer at work and home, the mobile phone at leisure, and the tablet to consult websites, play games, or watch videos. This daily use of new technologies is increasing the number of cases with dry eye syndrome in the Ophthalmology office, and it seems that the use of the screens of these devices increases the acceleration of this pathology.

What is the reason for that? The origin is that we weblink much less when we use electronic devices and, consequently, eye tearing is less than we need.

In this sense, our ophthalmologist points out that “when we pay attention to our mobile phone or electronic tablet, the frequency of blinking is reduced, which means that the renewal time of the tear film is prolonged.” Ultimately, this causes inflammation and dryness of the eye area, known as dry eye syndrome.
Blue light and vision problems

Blue light is the radiation emitted by the screens of electronic devices. Although it is related to possible harmful effects on sight, specialists ask for caution because the evidence is insufficient to confirm or deny it.

Currently, the Spanish Society of Ophthalmology (SEO) reflects that the investigations carried out with human beings are insufficient to determine the harmful consequences on vision, nor the possible advantages that the blue filters incorporate some devices and intend to avoid offering. This problem.
Is it normal for dry eyes to cry?

Yes, it is one of the characteristic signs of dry eye, along with itching and dryness. Perhaps the symptom of constant crying may surprise us, causing us to wonder if this is normal, as well as the reasons why this occurs.

Dry eye syndrome Dry eye syndrome

Our ophthalmologist solves our doubts by explaining that “dry eye defends itself in a reflex way by producing more moisture, making use of the tear of emotional crying, which has a different physiology.” Faced with this reaction, the lacrimal system cannot drain excess tears, so, as our ophthalmologist points out, “it ends up shedding in the form of lacrimation, or epiphora, for this reason, it is known as paradoxical lacrimation, since it is the dry eye that makes them cry. ”

At the same time, this constant watering and dryness in the eye can negatively affect the quality of life, causing adverse effects such as:

Burning
Legañas
Gritty sensation
Loss of vision
Infections in the eye or tear areas, in the latter case
Causes of dry eye

The main causes of this dry eye syndrome are the following:

Hormonal changes
With aging, the cells that constantly generate tears and those that determine the composition of the tear film are atrophied.
Blink alteration. For example, in situations of maximum concentration (reading or in front of the computer, for example), it is possible that one does not blink enough.
Contact lenses also promote dry eye.
It is being in a dry or windy environment or abusing the air conditioning.

Dry eye symptoms

The symptoms that we can suffer are the following:

Blurry vision
Burning sensation or irritation
Feeling of sand in the eye
The heaviness of the eyelids
Red eyes

If you suffer from these symptoms and have doubts about this syndrome, go to your trusted ophthalmology clinic. Early detection and treatment are essential for the improvement and prevention of eye damage.

How can we prevent dry eye syndrome?

One of the fundamental prevention measures is staying away from dry environments and elements that irritate the eyes, such as tobacco smoke and air conditioning.

As we have already mentioned above, Flickering is essential and helps prevent it, although we know that it is difficult to control.
What is the treatment of dry eye?

Treatment is simple, and artificial tears will help eliminate any discomfort caused by this syndrome. It is recommended to use them 2 to 4 times a day.
What should I know about dry eye syndrome?

Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not maintain their natural moisture. This may be due to a lack of tears or the tears being unable to moisturize the eye. It can also occur when tears leave the eye too quickly. Dry eye syndrome is also known as dry eye disease or keratoconjunctivitis sicca.
What are the causes of dry eye syndrome?

Dry or windy environments that cause tears to evaporate
Conditions that decrease the number of tears produced by the lacrimal glands
Eye diseases that cause inflammation of the surface or glands of the eye
Chemical or thermal burns of the eye