Khaberni - If you experience eye redness, stinging and pain when blinking, or difficulty reading, you might be among the millions suffering from dry eye syndrome.
The syndrome is common, and in severe cases, it can lead to permanent damage or even vision loss if untreated.
Dry eye occurs when glands fail to produce enough tears or oils to keep the eye moisturized, a problem that increases with aging, wearing contact lenses, or hormonal changes in women approaching menopause. The increase in screen use, harsh cosmetic products, air pollution, and low humidity have also contributed to a rise in cases over recent decades.
However, experts confirm that treatment does not always require surgical intervention, as eye damage can be prevented by following some simple daily habits.
Hydration First
Dr. Samer Hamada, an eye surgeon and consultant at the London Eye Clinic, says that drinking water regularly is the first step to reducing dryness symptoms because good hydration helps the body produce tears and reduce inflammation.
He warns against excessive consumption of coffee and alcohol, as they contribute to drying the eyes. He recommends drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to maintain the necessary balance.
Diet and Supplements
Dr. Hamada notes that consuming omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin "D" plays a fundamental role in preventing dry eyes.
Studies have shown that people who get sufficient amounts of omega-3 have a 17% lower risk of the disease.
It is recommended to eat oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines two to three times a week, or to use plant sources like flax seeds and walnuts, or dietary supplements.
Vitamin "D" is especially necessary in countries with limited sunlight exposure like Britain.
Hamada adds that antioxidants in berries, green tea, dark chocolate, leafy vegetables, and sweet potatoes contribute to slowing eye aging and protecting it from damage.
Reduce Screen Time and Sleep Well
Prolonged staring at screens is a prominent cause of dryness because it reduces the frequency of blinking, leading to rapid evaporation of the tear layer.
Experts advise reducing screen brightness, sitting at an appropriate distance, and taking a break every hour by looking away and blinking the eyes 20 consecutive times.
They also recommend avoiding the use of devices before sleep, as blue light affects the secretion of the sleep hormone melatonin, reducing sleep quality and increasing eye dryness.
Make Your Home Eye Friendly
Experts advise creating a home environment comfortable for the eyes, by maintaining air humidity between 40 and 60% and using humidifiers, especially in winter or in air-conditioned places. It is also advisable to regularly open windows for good ventilation.
Beware of Cosmetic Products
Optometrist Nicola Alexander-Cross says that prolonged use of cosmetics around the eyes can lead to blockage of the tear glands, especially as one ages or during menopause.
She advises replacing traditional makeup removers with gentle products approved by ophthalmologists, avoiding putting eyeliner inside the waterline, and using creamy mascaras that do not flake.
Warm compresses or warm eye masks can also be used to help open the glands and stimulate the flow of natural oils.
Light Therapy
In advanced cases of dry eye, which are accompanied by severe light sensitivity or excessive tearing, intense pulsed light therapy can be used. This procedure employs directed light pulses to melt blockages and reduce inflammation around the eyes.
Experts conclude their advice by emphasizing the importance of early prevention, and Alexander-Cross says: "Start taking care of your eyes now, even if you are in your twenties or thirties".
Hamada adds: "Don't wait until the symptoms intensify, and make healthy habits a part of your daily routine, as eyes are irreplaceable".
