About 13% of Brazilians suffer from dysfunction; what is the reason

Dry eye surface, redness, burning and itching are the most common symptoms of the so-called “dry eye syndrome”. You may not have heard of this dysfunction, but it affects, on average, 13% of the Brazilian population. Stay alert: Excessive use of screens (cell phone, computer) can harm eye lubrication.

Who shares the data with Land He is an ophthalmologist and member of the Brazilian Board of Ophthalmology (CBO), Juliano Veras. In an interview, he reveals that Women may be more affected by the syndromewhich are related to hormonal problems and certain systemic diseases, particularly autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, which tend to increase the likelihood of developing dry eyes.

“So, this audience needs to be more alert because there is a significant association between dry eyes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and all of this can exacerbate the condition,” he adds.

Diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of this syndrome is clinical and is done through tests performed by a specialist. In it, the doctor performs the test to assess the level of tear secretion. Therefore, it is important to maintain a counseling routine.

Treatment is done with “artificial tears” such as eye drops. Eye drops help in more than 90% of cases.

In addition to the monitors we discussed above, other causes of the condition include external environmental factors such as wind, smoke, hot, dry weather, and more internal factors such as air conditioning and fans.

Take breaks

As we said above, the use of screens can complicate the eye health of those who suffer from dysfunction. But we know that it is almost impossible to get away from the equipment, which today is mainly used in work.

In this regard, ophthalmologist Juliano Veras points out that sparse use can be a way out. “People who spend more than an hour in front of a screen should try to take a break of at least five minutes. In the case of computers, try to bring the screen somewhat in line with the eyes, or place it a little lower, so that the eyes are closed more often.” The lubricating solution can be used together every hour the screen is used,” he reveals.

complications

According to the doctor, if the problem is not identified immediately and treated properly, it is likely that over time, the eyes will become drier. He adds, “We know that tear production in our bodies decreases over time, so if this person does not treat dry eye, there is a tendency to cause injuries to the cornea.” If this dry eye persists, it may end up making the patient’s condition worse.

Patients who smoke also tend to have drier eyes. Be aware: Chronic contact lens users — those who use them for a long time — also tend to have dry eyes due to the properties of contact lenses.

Existing habits increase the infection

With current habits, Giuliano points out, it’s hard for us to have someone who doesn’t suffer from dry eyes. A person may not even have dry eyes, but they end up developing them from using electronic device screens.

The best advice, according to the doctor, is to plan for infrequent use of screens, use lubricants and have an eye assessment to see what type of dry eye is developing in this patient. And suddenly he has a superficial disease, and then he needs treatment. This could be more comfortable. He concludes that in those patients with systemic disease, it is recommended to get the systemic disease under control, so that you can have more comfort and a better quality of life when the disease has stabilized.

Source: Written by Terra Você