Madeeha Syed

Dry Eyes: The Downside To Extended Screen Use And How To Fix Them

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Dry Eyes

Dry eyes, also known as dry eye syndrome, is a common condition that occurs when the eyes are unable to produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can cause the eyes to feel dry, itchy, irritated, and even painful.

Tears are essential for keeping the eyes moist, lubricated, and healthy. They contain a mix of water, mucus, and oil, and serve to protect the eyes from infections, remove debris, and nourish the eye tissues.

There are several causes of dry eyes, including aging, hormonal changes, certain medications, environmental factors (e.g., dry air, wind), and medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and Sj&ouml;gren&#39;s syndrome. The treatment for dry eyes depends on the severity of the condition and may include the use of artificial tears, prescription eye drops, lifestyle changes, or surgery in severe cases.

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Impact of extended screen time

Extended screen time can have several effects on your eyes. Here are a few: 
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<ul>
	<li>Eye strain: Staring at a computer or smartphone screen for long periods can cause eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome. This can lead to symptoms such as dry eyes, blurred vision, headaches, and neck and shoulder pain.</li>
	<li>Blue light exposure: The blue light emitted by digital screens can disrupt the body&#39;s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Long-term exposure to blue light can also increase the risk of macular degeneration and other eye problems.</li>
	<li>Reduced blink rate: When we&#39;re focused on a screen, we tend to blink less frequently. This can cause the eyes to become dry and irritated, leading to discomfort and redness.</li>
	<li>Near-sightedness: Studies have suggested that excessive screen time may increase the risk of nearsightedness, also known as myopia. This occurs when the eye grows too long, causing distant objects to appear blurry. 
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</ul>

To reduce the effects of extended screen time on your eyes, try taking regular breaks, adjusting your screen&#39;s brightness and contrast, using an anti-glare screen, and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (look away from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds). Additionally, consider getting regular eye exams to catch any problems early on. 
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Screentime and dry eyes

Extended screen time can contribute to the development of dry eyes. When we stare at a screen for long periods, we tend to blink less frequently, leading to a reduction in tear production. This can cause the eyes to become dry and irritated, leading to discomfort, redness, and even vision problems.

Additionally, the blue light emitted by digital screens can further exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Blue light has been shown to disrupt the body&#39;s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Long-term exposure to blue light can also increase the risk of macular degeneration and other eye problems.

To reduce the effects of screen time on dry eyes, try taking regular breaks, adjusting your screen&#39;s brightness and contrast, using an anti-glare screen, and practicing the 20-20-20 rule (look away from the screen every 20 minutes and focus on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds). Additionally, consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes moist and getting regular eye exams to catch any problems early on.

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Treatment of dry eyes

The treatment for dry eyes depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Here are a few common treatments for dry eyes: 
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<ul>
	<li>Artificial tears: These over-the-counter eye drops can help to lubricate the eyes and provide relief from dryness and irritation. There are many different types of artificial tears available, so it&#39;s best to speak with your eye doctor to determine which one is right for you.</li>
	<li>Prescription eye drops: If artificial tears don&#39;t provide enough relief, your eye doctor may recommend prescription eye drops that can reduce inflammation and increase tear production.</li>
	<li>Lifestyle changes: Making changes to your daily routine can also help to alleviate dry eye symptoms. For example, taking frequent breaks when working on the computer, using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and avoiding exposure to dry or windy environments.</li>
	<li>Punctal plugs: These tiny devices are inserted into the tear ducts to block drainage and keep tears on the surface of the eye for longer periods.</li>
	<li>Meibomian gland expression: This treatment involves applying pressure to the eyelids to help express the oils from the meibomian glands, which can help to improve tear quality and reduce dry eye symptoms.</li>
	<li>Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct underlying problems that are causing dry eye, such as eyelid abnormalities or blocked tear ducts. 
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</ul>
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Conclusion

It&#39;s important to work with your eye doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case of dry eyes.&nbsp;
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