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Dry eye: habits that harm eye health

Dry eye: habits that harm eye health

13 January 2022

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Some daily habits can affect our eyesight and cause gradual damage, if we are not paying attention. They could also cause discomfort, which can be resolved by practices that help combat and improve their effects. Next, we explain some of them.

1. Continuous use of screens and mobile devices

Prolonged use of screens and mobile devices can cause changes in the ocular surface, especially related to dry eye. This condition is caused by the inability of the lacrimal glands to produce enough tears to keep the eyes lubricated.

2. Smoking

Smoking is another risk factor for dry eye: this habit can cause blood vessels to constrict or narrow, resulting in a lack of lubrication on the surface of the eye, which causes eye irritation.

3. Air conditioning, heating or air travel

Some environmental factors can cause dry eye, such as continuous exposure to air-conditioned and / or heated spaces, or flying for several hours.

4. Contact lenses

People who wear contact lenses should pay special attention and follow the necessary hygiene care. It is recommended that these patients visit the ophthalmologist periodically, since they are more likely to suffer from infectious keratitis, which is a corneal infection caused by bacteria, fungi or viruses, and which must be treated immediately to avoid loss of vision. The most common symptoms of this infection are photophobia (abnormal intolerance to light), tearing, and red eye.

Good hand hygiene is also recommended; the proper use of solutions and liquids to preserve contact lenses; do not use them on beaches or swimming pools; do not sleep with them on; and not overuse it during the day.

5. Good eyelid hygiene

This is also an important preventive measure against infections and dry eye. People with a lack of lubrication in the tear film can produce a type of thick tear and notice dry eyes or dandruff on the eyelashes. To prevent this from happening, it is essential to have proper eyelid hygiene, washing the eyelids with mild soap or eyelid wipes and, in the event of any discomfort, go to the ophthalmologist so that he can determine the cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

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