Dry eyes is a common condition for most. 

 Most people have occasional or mild dry eye symptoms, which can be treated with regular over-the counter artificial tears (eye drops). Sometimes the symptoms become more persistent or chronic and require extra tests and prescription medicine that an optometrist can prescribe.

With the increased exposure to technology and using computer, tablets and phones, such as for school, work, or recreational hobbies, the increased exposure to blue light causes more of an issue for dry eyes among the everyday person. Blue light exposure effects your circadian rhythm which affects your sleep health. It also increases the risk of having tired eyes, eye fatigue, eye strain and dry eyes.

With a case of mild dry eyes, some of the symptoms are what most people experience including mild redness, excess watering, blurry vision, or a burning sensation around the eyes.  Other symptoms include light sensitivity, or a scratchy or gritty sensation around the eyes. It can cause blurry vision.

Contact lenses wearer might experience more dry eye symptoms such as redness, eye irritation, discharge around eyes, and watery eyes. You can use contact lenses rewetting drops or take a break from contact lenses and wear your glasses until your eyes feel better.

In addition, with technology, from surfing the internet and social media on your phones to working remotely on the computer, more and more people are using electronic devices for at least 8+ hours a day. The eye strain and prolonged focusing on screens can also exacerbate dry eyes, from exhausting your eye muscles and reducing your blink time, which decreases the amount of healthy tears your eyes produces to keep it moisturized.

Here are three very accessible and relatively inexpensive ways to remedy dry eyes:

1.) Use lubricant artificial tears over the counter – apply up to 4 times a day in both eyes as needed.

2.) Follow the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minute of screen time, take breaks and look 20 feet away for 20 secs to allow your eyes to relax and defocus.You may apply an artificial tear drop at the time as well.

3.) At night time, apply a heat compress over your eyelids. Do this about 10-15 minutes a day at night over both eye lids with a heated eye mask. Gently do a brief digital massage with your fingers over your eyes afterwards.

I have a pamphlet you can download for patient education. You can print it out and display it by printing on higher quality paper, or you can use it make copies and give it to your patients. You can check the boxes for each treatment so that your patient has a written copy, if they have further questions after leaving the office.

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