About Dry Eye

Dry eye disease is a disorder characterized by insufficient tear volume which leads to eye discomfort and lots of disturbing symptoms that eventually affect vision and quality of life.^1,7

Middle-aged and older adults are the most commonly affected group because of the high prevalence of contact lens usage, systemic drug effects, autoimmune diseases, and refractive surgeries in these groups.¹

What Causes Your Dry Eye?

You might be exposed to some factors that trigger dry eye syndrome such as:²

• Environmental factors (extreme temperature and reduced relative humidity).

• Use of computer screen for a long time.

• Smoking.

• Contact lens wear.

• Uptake of certain medications (antihistamines, beta-blockers).

• Oral contraceptives.

• Anxiety.

• Sleep disorders.

• Depression.

How To Protect?

Tips to have healthier and protected eyes; 

Limit your daily spent hours on digital screens

Using digital devices for straight long hours per day will make you more exposed to digital eye strain which can cause you a bothering head, shoulder and neck pain along with a dry eye sensation.⁷

Hence, we advise you to take frequent short breaks every now and then by following the 20-20-20 rule which promotes (a 20 second break every 20 minutes to view a distant object at 20 feet).⁷

Also, it will be useful to use commercially available blue light filter eye protection.

Select your cosmetic product

Review the ingredients of your products with caution and make sure it’s free from harmful chemicals. 

If you are using anti-aging cream which includes retinoids, avoid applying it near to eyes as it has a negative effect on eye glands.⁷

When it comes to makeup, try to minimize the usage of fake eyelashes, glittery eye products and eyeliner on the water line. 

Also, it is important to highlight that eyelash tinting and lifting practices can cause Ocular Surface Diseases.⁷

Dietary modification

Try to consume a respectful amount of essential fatty acid supplementation such as; omega-3 and omega-6/gamma linolenic acid, as it can notably protect your eyes from Dry Eye Disease.⁷

Maintain good hydration by increasing your fluid intake.⁷

Finally, reducing your calorie intake and body fat percentage will lead you to a good place regarding your whole body health not only your eyes.⁷

Avoid environmental pollutants

Avoid exposure to all types of tobacco or smoke. 

Also, it’s better to stay away from direct contact with high airspeeds. Hence, try to redirect air vents whenever possible and limit the use of hair driers.⁷

Wearing sunglasses is also advised to shield your eyes from air pollutants.⁷