Staring at a computer or smartphone for hours can indeed make your eyes dry and sore if blinked. This is usually considered common by most people. However, have you ever heard of dry eye syndrome? This syndrome occurs when the production of tears is not sufficient to lubricate the eyes.

Healthy eyes usually contain enough tears to protect the eyes from exposure to dust or other microorganisms. Tears also play a role in maintaining moisture and preventing eye irritation. If the eyes experience dryness, it can cause irritation to severe inflammation. In some cases of dry eyes, inflammation occurs when there is an elevation in the number of white blood cells called neutrophils on the surface of the eye.

The symptoms that are often experienced by dry eye patients namely:

• The eye feels itchy, dry, or sore
• The presence of mucus around the eyes
• Red eye
• Blurred vision and tired eyes
• Feel something in the eye (like sand)
• Watery eyes

This disease is often considered as not severe. However, if left unchecked, dry eyes can lead to infection of the cornea and eye membranes that can cause permanent damage. Therefore, for those of you who often spend hours at the computer, spend a little time resting your eyes by closing your eyes for a few minutes. You can also blink your eyes several times to help spread the tears evenly.

Text by Anggie Triana
Stock photos from Bigstock

Source(s):

• Mayo Clinic - Dry eyes (2019). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dry-eyes/symptoms-causes/syc-20371863, May 8, 2019.
• Jakarta Eye Center - Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome, Am I Having It? (2017). Https://jec.co.id/id/blog/162/dry-eye-syndrome, May 8, 2019.