Dry Eye

Causes for dry eye can be broadly categorised as follows:

• Natural Ageing Process - as we grow older, there is a reduction in the production of natural tears and their effectiveness.
• Environmental Conditions - such as hot, dry or windy climate, air pollution, air conditioning, dusty or smoky atmosphere, over heated rooms etc.
• Occupational - working on computers for long periods of time, results in less blinking thus leading to eye strain and dry eye.
• Systemic Diseases - such as Sjogren's Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Sclerosis, Thyroid conditions, Steven Johnson Syndrome.
• Hormonal Changes - like during menopause.
• Medication Side Effects - diuretics, antihistamines, anti depressants, antimuscarinics are known to cause dry eye.
• Vitamin A Deficiency
• Prolonged Contact Lens use
• Radiation Therapy of the head and neck
• Refractive Eye Surgery such as LASIK and PRK
• Eye Trauma
• Frequent Air Travel
• Infections and certain eye diseases such as Blepharitis.
• Personal habits such as smoking, reduced blinking thus leading to excess tear evaporation etc.

If treated, dry eye will not harm your vision. However, if the condition is left untreated, it may damage eye tissue and scar the cornea leading to vision impairment. For those who use contact lenses, the condition can result in poor tolerability & discomfort. This can greatly increase the chances of eye infection.

• Avoid being in dry atmosphere for long periods of time. If you have to, use a humidifier.
• Avoid direct blast of heaters and air conditioners at face level.
• Sit away from direct heat such as furnace fires, gas etc.
• Use lubricating eye drops such as artificial tears.
• Make a conscious effort to blink regularly with full lid closure and not 'half blinks'
• Avoid smoky atmosphere
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water daily
• Avoid smoking
• Use wrap around glasses and sunglasses when outdoors.
• In order to relieve acute episodes, use periodic cold, moist compresses to decrease burning & itching.

Eye strain has been reported with most extensive computer users. Also referred to as Computer Vision Syndrome or Computer Stress Syndrome, it involves the manifestation of a variety of symptoms such as eye strain, headache, and some times it may be indicated by indirect symptoms such as neck, shoulder back and wrist pains, general fatigue and decreased visual efficiency.

• Keep a minimum distance of 25 inches between the computer screen and the eye, preferably more.
• The monitor top should be tilted away from the eyes.
• Use dark letters on a light background
• Keep the screen below the horizontal eye level.
• Always use a chair with arms. Tilting the head forward causes less fatigue than the head-erect posture.
• Use indirect lighting suspended from the ceiling. Use curtains to avoid reflection due to outside light.
• Avoid direct flow of air on your eyes. Low humidity or fumes also can lead to dry eyes.
• Give your eyes a break every 20 minutes. Blink regularly. Close the eyelids and roll the eyes behind the closed lids clockwise and anticlockwise.
• Consult a doctor immediately if you have any problem.