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Dry eye syndrome is often related to prolonged eye use, decreased blinking, and abnormal meibomian gland function. Women’s menopause and aging may also increase symptoms; In treatment, first of all the cause should be clarified and misuse of eye medicines should be avoided.
Today, when almost everyone is inseparable from mobile phones and computers, dry eyes, stinging eyes and mild fatigue have become daily troubles for many people. Dry eye syndrome is no longer a problem only for middle-aged and elderly people.
This issue of “New York Health 365” invites Dr. Luna Xu, an ophthalmologist and member of the Asian American Medical Association, to analyze the causes, common misconceptions, and treatment methods of dry eye syndrome.
Why do some people use computers eight hours a day and still have no apparent discomfort in their eyes, while others quickly develop dryness, foreign body sensation or even blurred vision? Xu Luna pointed out that dry eye disease is not just about insufficient tear secretion. One of the most common problems is the loss of stability of the tear film. Staring at a screen for long periods of time will reduce the number of blinks and accelerate the evaporation of tears. For people with existing meibomian gland dysfunction, symptoms may be more pronounced.
Xu Luna explained that some women’s dry eye symptoms may suddenly worsen before and after menopause because of changes in their sex hormone balance and meibomian gland function; Men will also face similar problems as they age.
If my eyes feel uncomfortable, can I solve it by purchasing eye drops myself? Xue Luna reminded that although artificial tears can relieve symptoms, they cannot solve the real cause. Prolonged and repeated use of eye drops containing preservatives can irritate the eye surface, and antibiotics and steroid eye drops should not be abused.
Xu Luna emphasized that to treat dry eye syndrome, one must first find out the cause. Although it is often difficult to cure it once and for all, through correct treatment and daily management, most patients can effectively improve their discomfort and maintain good eye condition.
For more misconceptions, treatment options and daily prevention methods about dry eye syndrome, you are welcome to listen to this episode of “New York Health 365.”
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Summary FAQ
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Doctors say the more common problem with dry eye syndrome is an unstable tear film rather than too few tears. If meibomian gland function is abnormal, tear evaporation will be accelerated, and the eyes will be more prone to dryness, stinging, and blurred vision.
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Staring at a screen for a long time will significantly reduce the number of blinks and tears will evaporate faster. For people with pre-existing meibomian gland dysfunction, this effect will be more pronounced, and more likely to induce or aggravate symptoms.
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Artificial tears may temporarily relieve discomfort, but they cannot address the real cause. Repeated use of eye drops containing preservatives over a long period of time may irritate the surface of the eye; Antibiotics and steroid eye drops should not be misused on their own, and should be evaluated by a doctor first.
