The world becomes more digitized day by day and our devices have become intertwined with our daily lives. Whether it is for work, education, or leisure, many of us spend several hours a day staring at digital devices. Research shows that this increased screen time has been linked to a rise in cases of dry eye syndrome—a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to irritation and discomfort.
Protecting Your Peepers from Dry Eye Syndrome
When using screens, we tend to blink less frequently, reducing the eyes' natural lubrication and causing the tear film to evaporate more quickly. This prolonged screen exposure can disrupt the balance of moisture in the eyes, leading to symptoms such as redness, dryness, itching, and a gritty sensation.
While digital devices are unavoidable for most of us, there are few easy steps you can take to prevent and manage dry eye syndrome:
- Practice the 20-20-20 Rule: To reduce eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple practice can help relax your eye muscles and encourage blinking to maintain eye moisture.
- Blink More Often: Blinking is essential for spreading tears across the surface of the eye. Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially when using screens, to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable.
- Adjust Screen Settings and Environment: Reducing screen glare, increasing text size, and adjusting brightness and contrast can help reduce eye strain. Also, ensure your workspace is well-lit to avoid excessive eye strain caused by screen glare and contrast.
- Maintain Proper Screen Distance and Position: Keep your screen at an arm's length away and position it so that the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. This helps reduce strain on your eyes and encourages a natural downward gaze, which can help minimize tear evaporation.
- Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help relieve mild symptoms of dry eye by adding moisture to the eyes. However, avoid drops that claim to reduce redness, as these can sometimes worsen dry eye symptoms over time.
- Stay Hydrated and Eat a Balanced Diet: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall eye health. We also recommend a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can support tear production and eye health. Find a comprehensive list of more eye-friendly foods here.
- Take Breaks from Screen Time: Incorporate regular breaks throughout your day to rest your eyes and reduce digital eye strain. Engaging in outdoor activities can also give your eyes a much-needed break from screens and help maintain overall eye health.
Treatment Options for Dry Eye at Oakbrook Optical Eyecare
We understand that managing dry eye requires a personalized approach. We offer a range of personalized treatment options designed to relieve symptoms and improve eye health:
- Comprehensive Eye Exams: Our team begins with an eye exam to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye symptoms. This helps us create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your needs.
- LipiFlow: A revolutionary treatment designed to mitigate dry eye discomfort. Unlike traditional treatments, LipiFlow targets the root cause of DES. LipiFlow is an FDA-approved device that treats meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), which is one of the leading causes of dry eye.
- Artificial Tears and Lubricating Drops: For many patients, over the counter or prescription eye drops can provide significant relief. These drops help maintain eye moisture and reduce discomfort associated with dry eye.
- Warm Compresses and Eyelid Hygiene: Regularly using warm compresses can help stimulate oil production in the glands around your eyes, which is essential for a healthy tear film. We also provide guidance on proper eyelid hygiene to help manage dry eye symptoms.
- Nutritional Supplements: Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to support eye health and reduce inflammation associated with dry eye. We may recommend dietary supplements or specific dietary changes to help manage your symptoms.
- Lifestyle and Environmental Adjustments: In addition to direct treatments, we offer advice on lifestyle modifications, such as optimizing your work environment and managing screen time effectively, to help reduce the risk of dry eye.
We emphasize the importance of choice and education when it comes to treating eye conditions like dry eye syndrome. We’ve gathered insights from our very own Dr. Dr. Joseph Franceschini to give you all the resources you need to understand dry eye and our treatment options here.
Find Relief from Dry Eye with Oakbrook Optical Eyecare
If you are experiencing persistent dry eye symptoms, it is essential to seek professional care. At Oakbrook Optical Eyecare, we provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans to help manage your dry eye effectively. Don’t let dry eyes affect your quality of life—contact us at 630-581-2151 or schedule an appointment here.