Let’s delve into some causes of eye strain to navigate better strategies to curtail its effects.

Dry Eyes Causes

Dry eyes can affect people of all ages, including the current generation. Several factors can contribute to dry eyes in today’s generation, including:

1. Screen Time

   
   The widespread use of digital devices like smartphones, tablets, and computers can lead to decreased blinking and increased evaporation of tears. This is known as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome




2. Indoor Environment

   
   Many people, especially those working or studying indoors, are exposed to air conditioning, heating, and ventilation systems that can reduce humidity in the air, leading to dry eyes




3. Contact Lens Use

   
   The use of contact lenses, especially extended-wear or improper use, can cause dry eyes




4. Environmental Factors

   
   Pollution, smoke, and allergens in the environment can irritate the eyes and lead to dryness




5. Lifestyle Choices

   
   Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to dry eyes




6. Medications

   
   Some medications, including antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, and certain acne treatments, can have dry eye as a side effect




7. Inadequate Blinking

   
   When people are focused on screens or other tasks, they may blink less frequently, reducing the distribution of tears across the eye’s surface




8. Dietary Factors

   
   Poor nutrition, particularly a diet low in omega-3 fatty acids, can affect tear production and quality




9. Climate

   
   Living in dry or arid climates can increase the likelihood of dry eyes




10. Hormonal Changes

    
    Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or while taking certain birth control pills, can affect tear production




11. Underlying Medical Conditions

    
    Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, thyroid disorders, and diabetes can be associated with dry eyes




12. LASIK or Eye Surgery

    
    Refractive surgeries like LASIK can temporarily disrupt tear film production, leading to dry eyes during the recovery period




13. Inadequate Hydration

    
    Not drinking enough water can lead to overall dehydration, which can affect tear production




14. Stress

    
    High levels of stress can lead to changes in tear composition and production




15. Aging

    
    As people age, tear production tends to decrease, making them more susceptible to dry eyes (1^✔ ✔Trusted Source
    Eyestrain – Overview

    Go to source

    )

Tips to Reduce Eye Strain, Dry Eyes and Improve Eye Care

Excess screen time, often associated with digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, can contribute to dry eyes. To tackle dry eyes caused by prolonged screen use, consider implementing the following tips:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

   
   Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break from your screen and focus on something at least 20 feet away. This helps reduce eye strain and encourages regular blinking




2. Blink Regularly

   
   Remind yourself to blink more often. Staring at screens tends to reduce blink frequency, which can lead to dry eyes. Blinking helps distribute tears evenly across the eye’s surface




3. Optimize Screen Setup

   
   Ensure your computer monitor is at eye level and positioned about 20 inches away from your eyes. Adjust the screen brightness, contrast, and font size to reduce eye strain




4. Use Proper Lighting

   
   Maintain adequate lighting in your workspace to reduce glare and prevent the need for excessive screen brightness. Position your desk lamp to illuminate your workspace without causing reflections on the screen




5. Reduce Screen Glare

   
   Consider using an anti-glare screen protector on your computer monitor or wearing anti-reflective (AR) coated eyeglasses to minimize glare and reflections




6. Screen Settings and Blue Light Filters

   
   Use screen settings or software applications that reduce blue light emissions. Blue light can disrupt your sleep patterns and exacerbate eye strain




7. Blink Exercises

   
   Perform blink exercises to help maintain a healthy tear film. Close your eyes gently for a few seconds every 10-15 minutes to allow your tears to redistribute




8. Use Artificial Tears

   
   Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops or artificial tears can help alleviate dry eye symptoms. Choose preservative-free options for frequent use




9. Hydrate

   
   Stay well-hydrated throughout the day by drinking enough water. Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes




10. Humidify Your Environment

    
    Use a humidifier in your workspace or home to maintain an optimal indoor humidity level. Dry air can exacerbate dry eyes




11. Adjust Your Screen’s Text Size

    
    Make text larger and more readable to reduce the need for squinting or leaning in closer to the screen




12. Limit Screen Time

    
    Try to limit your overall screen time, especially outside of work hours. Take breaks from electronic devices in the evening to allow your eyes to recover before bedtime




13. Eyelid Hygiene

    
    Practice good eyelid hygiene by cleaning your eyelids daily with a mild, non-irritating cleanser. This can help prevent meibomian gland dysfunction, which can contribute to dry eyes




14. Use Artificial Tear Ointments

    
    For severe dry eye symptoms, consider using thicker artificial tear ointments at night before sleep to provide lasting lubrication




15. Visit an Eye Specialist

    
    If dry eye symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, consult an eye specialist or optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination and personalized treatment options (2^✔ ✔Trusted Source
    Remedies to Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms

    Go to source

    )

Note: Remember that everyone’s eyes are different, so what works for one person may not work as effectively for another. It’s essential to tailor your strategies based on your specific needs and preferences. If you continue to experience persistent dry eyes, seek professional guidance to address any underlying issues and receive personalized treatment recommendations.

To manage and prevent dry eyes, individuals should consider using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops, taking regular breaks from screens, maintaining a comfortable humidity level in indoor environments, staying hydrated, and managing any underlying medical conditions with the help of a healthcare professional. If dry eye symptoms persist, it’s advisable to consult an eye specialist for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment recommendations.

References :

1. Eyestrain – Overview – (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/eyestrain/symptoms-causes/syc-20372397)
2. Remedies to Reduce Dry Eye Symptoms – (https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/dry-eye-tips)

Source: Medindia