Signs of Dry Eye Illness and Ways to Avoid Long-Term Harm
Three layers of tears that cover and shield your eyes’ surface are known as the tear film, and they are impacted by dry eye. Periodic dry eye may appear innocuous, but if untreated, it can cause discomfort, poor vision, and even long-term impairment.
Dry Eyes Symptoms:
1. Insufficient Sleep:
Lack of sleep can also be a big problem. Sleep deprivation can worsen dry eyes by reducing tear output and interfering with the stability of the tear film. Additionally, some people have nocturnal lagophthalmos, a condition in which the eyelids partially open while you sleep, increasing the amount of tears that evaporate. In addition to exacerbating the symptoms of dry eye, inadequate sleep also has an impact on general eye health and visual quality.
2. Hydration and Diet:
A lot of people are unaware of how important food is for eye health. Poor tear generation and inflammation might result from a diet heavy in processed foods and lacking in omega-3 fatty acids.
While too much sugar and bad fats can cause dry eyes, foods like walnuts, avocados, flaxseeds, and salmon help maintain a healthy tear film. Another frequent reason is dehydration, which occurs when the eyes are unable to maintain their lubrication due to inadequate water intake.
3. Environmental Factors and Screen Time:
High pollution levels, air conditioning, and heating can all cause dry eyes. The risk is increased when one lives in a city or works long hours in a climate-controlled setting. Long-term usage of contact lenses, particularly while sleeping, can further damage the tear membrane and induce inflammation.
Excessive screen time, whether from gaming, laptops, or smartphones, directly affects eye moisture. Tear evaporation is accelerated by prolonged screen time, which lowers the natural blink rate from roughly 15 to 5 blinks per minute. In addition to causing eye strain, blue light exposure from screens can damage the tear film.
Strategies for Managing and Preventing Dry Eye Disease:
Prioritize your sleep: To maintain eye moisture, aim for 7-9 hours each night. Use an eye humidifier or eye drops if you have dry eyes at night.
Take up better screen habits: Adhere to the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second glance 20 feet away every 20 minutes. Consciously blink when utilizing screens. Use glasses that block blue light to reduce eye strain.
Make dietary changes: Boost consumption of omega-3 fatty acids, which are present in walnuts, flaxseeds, olives, and seafood. To avoid dehydration, make sure you consume plenty water. Cut back on sweets, processed meals, and bad fats that contribute to inflammation.
Protect your eyes from the environment: by avoiding extended periods of time spent in warm or air-conditioned spaces. To protect yourself from wind and pollutants, wear sunglasses. Never sleep with contact lenses in, and take breaks from wearing them.
