Modern lifestyles have forced us to live with elements that undoubtedly improve our lives but, at times, can be detrimental to our health and cause pathologies such as Dry Eye Syndrome.
This is the case with the habitual use of new technologies. Computers, mobile phones, and tablets are seriously affecting eye health. For this reason, ophthalmologists are increasingly warning about the harmful effects of prolonged and excessive exposure to electronic devices. However, this is not the only factor contributing to the rise in this condition.
Do you know what Dry Eye Syndrome is?
Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when tears are unable to adequately lubricate the eyes. This can happen for various reasons, and determining the cause will dictate the appropriate treatment. Suffering from dry eye can be very bothersome. Tears are essential for good vision and, above all, for good eye health.
What are its causes?
Certain environmental situations or factors can cause dry eyes. These include being on an airplane or in a heated room, as well as exposure to smoke, fluorescent lighting, air pollution, wind, and generally dry climates. These elements contribute to tear evaporation and cause dry eyes.
Undoubtedly, the prolonged exposure our eyes endure when looking at computer or mobile phone screens for extended periods is affecting nearly 20% of patients, who are developing this condition at increasingly younger ages. This is because when we focus on our mobile phones or tablets, we blink less frequently, which prolongs the tear film's renewal time. As a result, the eye area dries out and becomes inflamed, leading to what ophthalmologists call Dry Eye.
Other factors to consider include:
- Age: More than 70% of people over 70 years old suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome.
- Hormones: A high percentage of menopausal women experience dry eye symptoms. This is due to the hormonal deficiency that occurs when estrogen levels decrease in women.
- Wearing contact lenses increases the likelihood of developing this condition, as their use often dries out the eye.
- Some diseases can trigger this condition, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, asthma, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and other eye conditions such as glaucoma and cataracts.
What symptoms might I experience?
Initially, the first signs of the syndrome include a foreign body sensation in the eye, itching, blurred vision, or light sensitivity. However, in a more advanced stage, the condition can become more complicated, leading to micro-erosions, infections, or small ulcers. Visual acuity may also be impaired, and this situation can worsen if not treated promptly.
Therefore, at Clínica Nivaria we want to emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. Eye exams for diagnosing dry eye include visual acuity tests, but also more technical ones such as measuring tear film breakup time, tear concentration, and tear production rate.
Our team of medical professionals and the advanced technology at our clinic make us a leading center in the Canary Islands. Since dry eye treatment encompasses various options depending on the severity of the condition, we encourage you to visit us so we can assess your needs and recommend the most suitable personalized treatment. At Clínica Nivaria, we provide comprehensive follow-up at every stage of our procedures. Your well-being is our greatest satisfaction!
