Do you feel uncomfortable with your eyes when riding a bike, while on an airplane, in an air-conditioned room, or after staying before a computer screen for a few hours? Have you noticed that you’re having a burning (stinging) or ojos llorosos (epiphora) lately? Don’t be surprised; those are the symptoms common in Dry Eye Syndrome (DES). Also known as Keratoconjunctivitis, which is mainly understood as the cornea, Dry Eye Syndrome is a chronic condition of the eye that affects almost everyone at every stage of their life. Many men and women suffer from this syndrome, which leads to the inability to perform daily activities and functions.
Causes
As a phenomenal invention, contact lenses allow some people to have a better sight without wearing glasses. However, wearing them for prolonged hours, even you take them out at night, results in corneal desensitization. The aging process is also a contributing factor to this syndrome. As we age (older than 50), our sight becomes depleted. Our eye’s lipid layer is evaporating rapidly, and anything lower than the usual ten evaporation process can be considered a symptom of a dry eye. Lack of a healthy diet is also another risk factor. Several instances may cause dry eye syndrome, and the most common, among others, are surgery results, Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, Blepharitis, Autoimmune Disease (Evaporative Dry Eye Syndrome), and even medications.
Symptoms
Depending on the case, this eye condition has various symptoms, including itching, cloudy vision, burning, tearing, redness, and foreign sensations like the lash. If left untreated, these symptoms will surely hamper our sight, and worst could lead to a permanent loss of our vision. Having these signs means you must pay attention to these symptom’s most likely circumstances by finding ways to prevent it.
Prevention and Treatment
Before its too late, preventing Dry Eye Syndrome is best exemplified by avoiding too much air in your eyes, adding moisture to the air, stopping smoking, take a rest after a long computer task, be aware of your surrounding and consider wearing glasses.