Goodbye, dry eye

Dry eyes are becoming more prevalent as we spend more time in front of digital screens. For some, there’s an easy fix, writes Aznim Ruhana Md Yusup

the water layer while mucus helps spread tears evenly. Deficiencies in any of these components can be damaging.

Blinking — and tears — is also responsible for removing foreign matter in the eye which reduces the risk of an eye infection.

Meanwhile, some medications can Staring at digital devices for more than two hours at close or mid-range can lead to digital eye strain. Mild cases of dry eye can be solved by over-the-counter artificial tears. cause dry eyes, while age and diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to the condition.

DROP IN THE EYES

An easy way to reduce the symptom of dry eyes caused by digital eye strain is by taking a 20 second break after 20 minutes in front of the screen, and look at something at a distance and blinking a few times.

Meanwhile, mild cases of dry eyes can be solved by over-the-counter artificial tears. Much in the same way that we use moisturisers for dry skin, eye drops help the body maintain equilibrium in terms of tear production, considering that we don’t blink enough.

“We may not be solving the problem (of dry eyes),” says Joshi Venugopal, president and managing director for Malaysia and Brunei of Novartis, the company that makes Systane eye drops.

“But we’re symptomatically providing comfort. And it looks like eye drops will soon move in the direction of moisturisers or conditioners.”

Systane has a range of products that can help in combating dry eyes.

For example, Systane Hydration is formulated to be compatible with contact lens wearers, while Systane Balance helps to prevent tear evaporation. There’s also Systane Gel Drops for more severe dry eye conditions.

He assures that the products are safe for use on children, adding that kids are equally likely to be impacted by dry eyes given their use of digital devices. Cases that cannot be resolved by over-thecounter solutions should be referred to a medical professional. An optometrist is also qualified to diagnose the condition.