How Excessive Screen Time Is Linked With Dry Eye Syndrome? - Dr Naresh Alreja

Blinking is a major component in keeping the eyes feeling fresh and healthy. With every blink, the eye’s tear film is replenished and spread evenly across the eye’s surface. When that happens at a reduced rate, symptoms of DES can develop.

Excessive screen usage can also lead to problems in social-emotional development, including obesity, sleep disturbances, depression, and anxiety. It can impair emotional comprehension, promote aggressive behaviour, and hinder social and emotional competence.

There’s more to your tears than just water. Oil and mucus are in them, too. You need all three substances to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. According to a report, it is estimated that 280 million people or roughly half of the Indian urban population will be affected by dry eye disease by the year 2030.

The average dry eye patient is typically an unhappy person with a long list of topical medications, going from one practitioner to another looking for answers. This needs to change. Counselling and chair time are important aspects of treating these patients.

Along with topical medication, eye exercises, frequent breaks from the screen, warm fomentation are some of the measures that can help treat dry eye disease and even reduce the need for topical medications.

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