Why Do Eyes Suffer from Dryness?

SadaNews - Many people suffer from dry eyes. What are the reasons for this? And how can it be addressed?

Common Causes

To answer these two questions, the "Good Vision" Association in Germany stated that the common causes of dry eyes include:

– Working in front of a screen: People who work for long periods in front of a screen blink much less, sometimes only once or twice a minute. As a result, the ability of the eye to moisten the tear fluid diminishes.

– Dry heating air: Due to the dryness of the heating air, moisture in the eyes evaporates more quickly, and cigarette smoke and drafts can negatively affect the tear layer.

– Diseases and medications: Conditions such as rheumatism or eczema can cause dry eyes, and some medications, such as beta-blockers and hormonal products, may negatively impact the tear layer.

Important Measures

The association added that dry eyes can be addressed by taking the following important measures:

– When working in front of a computer screen: It is advisable to take breaks to blink around 10 to 15 times a minute. To achieve this, one can follow the 20-20-20 rule, which involves looking at something 20 feet away (approximately 6 meters) for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

– Use moisturizing eye drops: "Artificial tears" help to compensate for lost tear fluid. However, those who use these drops regularly should ensure they are preservative-free, as preservatives can cause dryness in the eyes.

– Good ventilation inside the home: Regular ventilation, especially in winter, is also beneficial for the eyes, while avoiding drafts.

Source: German