Dry eye syndrome is becoming an increasingly common medical condition many people are suffering from. Insufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye are what causes this issue, which can increase inflammation and scarring.
People who spend a lot of time in front of the computer are more prone to it because they are likely to have a low concentration of mucin 5AC, which helps to keeps things lubricated. "We're supposed to blink around 10 to 12 times per minute, which helps maintain this tear film," Marc Grossman, O.D., holistic optometrist and author of Natural Eye Care, told a news portal. Adding, "But when focusing on a screen, blinking slows to an average of three to four times a minute, which causes irritation and fatigue."
While it may be hard for most people to cut down on screen time, particularly if that's a big part of your work, there are a few simple ways you can make sure to keep your eyes moist naturally. Here are a few tips you need to follow to protect yourself from dry eyes.
1: Cut down on sugar and consume leafy greens: Improve eye health by consuming a lot of leafy green vegetables and colourful fruits as it contains a lot of vital antioxidants like zeaxanthin, lutein and astaxanthin. Cutting down on the sugary stuff is also crucial because it can be harmful to the eyes. “Consumption of 11 teaspoons of sugar a day has been linked to dry eye syndrome,” Grossman told a news portal. Adding, "It's thought that excess sugar in the diet results in too much unusable glucose in the eyes, and more than half of all diabetics suffer from dry eye syndrome."
2. Stay hydrated: Drinking water is essential for a number of reasons to help our bodies function properly including promotes tear production and treating dry eyes. You should ideally consume at least eight or 10 glasses of water daily.
3. Wear amber glasses: These glasses help to protect your eyes from blue light from your digital devices. It has been found to be effective in protecting against dry eyes. They may not be the cutest look to sport, but your eyes will thank you for putting them on in the long run.
4. Do a warm compress: This can help to open up oil glands in the eyelids, which helps natural oil to flow into the eyes and offer relief from discomfort caused by dry eyes. You should do this at least twice a day. Another option is to massage your eyelids in the shower. This process will help to stimulate tear glands.
