Three Effective Methods Against Dry Eyes

Burning, stinging, itching, redness in the eyes and a strong need to rub for relief… “Dry eye”, which manifests itself with these symptoms, is quite common in society. In the summer months, bright sunlight, extreme heat, air conditioning, and factors like swimming pools increase dry eye, which affects a person’s quality of life. Ophthalmologist Dr. Emre Sübay says that dry eye must be taken seriously and if results cannot be obtained with some simple but effective measures, a doctor should be consulted, stating that if left untreated, it can lead to problems that can result in vision loss.

It can cause eye infection and corneal damage!

Tears, an indispensable element for the health of our eyes, not only express our emotional state but also moisturize, nourish and protect our eyes. Tears, which form a thin film layer covering the front surface of the eye, not only ensure that the eye sees smoothly and clearly but also protect our eyes from microorganisms. As a result of insufficient tear production or rapid evaporation of tears, ‘dry eye’ occurs causing discomfort and vision problems in the eyes. Dry eye generally manifests itself as; burning, stinging, itching, redness in the eyes, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, feeling of fatigue in the eyes, increase in blinking frequency and difficulty opening the eyes in the morning. Although it seems like a simple discomfort, untreated dry eye paves the way for decreased vision quality, eye infections, corneal damage and even serious vision loss. It also negatively affects daily activities, work performance and quality of life.

There is a noticeable increase in summer 

Dry eye is a common problem and is encountered much more frequently with factors such as widespread use of digital devices and air conditioners in recent years, environmental pollution, increase in allergens, lifestyle changes (long-term screen work, insufficient sleep etc.), advanced age. Conditions related to the summer season also trigger the problem. In summer months; increased temperature and low humidity cause rapid evaporation of tears. Sun rays and wind irritate the eyes and disrupt the tear film layer. The use of air conditioning, pool and sea water and allergies also lead to much more tear dryness.

Three effective precautions against dry eye!

Emphasizing that dry eye can be prevented with simple but effective measures, Ophthalmologist Dr. Emre Sübay lists these three precautions as follows;

• Quality sunglasses should be used. Sunglasses with ultraviolet protection and wide frames should be preferred.
• Adequate fluid should be consumed. At least 2-2.5 liters of water should be drunk daily.
  Artificial tear drops should be used with the recommendation of a doctor.
• It should be applied especially to moisturize the eyes when staying outside for a long time.

Take a screen break according to the 20-20-20 rule

At the top of what needs to be done when dry eye occurs; frequent blinking, paying attention to screen breaks according to the 20-20-20 rule, i.e., looking 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes, applying a moist compress and massaging around the eyes. However, rubbing the eyes, wearing contact lenses for a long time, exposure to cigarette smoke and dirty air environments, excessive alcohol and caffeine consumption are definitely among the things to avoid. Dry eye, which is frequently encountered especially in summer months, can be prevented with correct approaches. Basic treatment approaches include artificial tear drops and gels, blocking of tear ducts (punctum plugs), Omega-3 supplement, regulation of environmental factors (humidity rate, air flow etc.), anti-inflammatory drugs or special contact lenses in advanced cases.