Dry Eye

The gritty, burning sensation in the eyes that sometimes accompanies long sessions at the video display terminal can be caused by a number of factors. Firstly, when using a VDT, one tends to blink less than when performing other tasks. That means the eye gets moistened less often.

Additionally the posture typically adopted when using a VDT contributes to dry eye. When reading text on paper, one's head is normally tilted down. As a result, the eyelids cover a good portion of the eye. When using a VDT however, one's head is erect and the eyes are open wider. The evaporation of the tears increases when the eye is opened wider. This results in a higher risk of dry eye.

Dry eye can be particularly bothersome for contact lens wearers, and is more likely to be a problem as one gets older.

Other factors that may contribute to dry eye include:

• Environmental conditions such as chemicals or dust in the air, drafts, low humidity and static buildup.
• Hormonal changes that come with menopause: post-menopausal women are the group most affected by dry eye problems.
• Medications taken for menopause, birth control, high blood pressure, stomach ailments and allergies.
• Poorly applied cosmetics, especially eye liner covering the oil-producing glands along the edge of the eyelids. Without the thin film of oil that the glands secrete, the moisture on the eye evaporates more quickly.

Dry eye problems can be reduced by using appropriate ocular lubricants to rewet the eye surface, before discomfort arises. This means that the proper tear film quality and quantity must be supplemented periodically for those who suffer from dry eye symptoms. The formulation of the supplement must contribute to the wetability of the eye surface, the tear volume, as well as maintaining the proper balance of salts and acidity. Ocular lubricants are classified as an over the counter (OTC) preparation. They are available without prescription at most retail and drug stores. Each Solutions In Sight system contains a Windows software reminder to automatically alert you when to instill these drops.

 

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