Novartis promotes awareness on Dry Eye Syndrome

FILIPINOS spend more time on the Internet than people in any of the other 29 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North America, and Europe profiled in the “Digital in 2017 Global Overview” report. Produced by global advertising agency We Are Social and social media management platform Hootsuite, the report shows that the average Filipino Internet user spends nine hours online each day, with mobile Internet access accounting for more than three and a half of those hours.

“It is a welcome development that more Filipinos now have Internet access. Digital connectivity brings many socioeconomic benefits such as improved communication, knowledge dissemination, and economic opportunities, among others. However, spending too much time online also has its drawbacks,” said Cheryl Maley, president and managing director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines.

The prevalence of Dry Eye Syndrome (DES, also known as dry eye disease or simply dry eyes) is increasing worldwide and is now an important public health problem. One reason for the rapid rise in the number of cases of dry eye disease over the last few years is thought to be prolonged visual display terminal (VDT) exposure because of increased computer use. VDT exposure is also becoming common in the general population because of the widespread use of Internetbased mobile technology and portable information terminals, especially smartphones, among all age groups.

“When we work at a computer or use our smartphone or other portable digital device, we tend to blink our eyes less frequently. This leads to greater tear evaporation and increased risk of DES,” said Dr. Richard L. Nepomuceno, Cornea and External Eye Disease Specialist.

Ms. Maley and Dr. Nepomuceno spoke during a media briefing held by Novartis Healthcare Philippines to promote awareness on DES and highlight Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops. Developed by the Novartis eye care division Alcon, Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops are clinically proven to deliver extended protection and high-performance dry eye symptom relief that lasts. Also present during the media briefing held on Nov. 8 at the Ludo BoardGame Bar and Bistro in Makati City were filmmaker and model Janina Manipol and homeschool teacher and mommy blogger Joy Mendoza.

DES is a common condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears. DES signs and symptoms, which usually affect both eyes, may include a stinging, burning or scratchy sensation in your eyes; stringy mucus in or around your eyes; sensitivity to light; eye redness; a sensation of having something in your eyes; difficulty wearing contact lenses; difficulty with nighttime driving; watery eyes; and blurred vision or eye fatigue.