Dry Eyes: The Hit Disease Among Gen Z Teens/Youth

Dry eyes is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears or the quality of the tears is inappropriate, causing the corneal surface to become dry and irritated. Dry eye symptoms can often occur both temporarily and chronically. It is currently found to be a constantly increasing problem, especially among people who work in front of computer screens or stay in air-conditioned rooms for extended periods.

Causes of Dry Eyes include several factors, such as:

Prolonged eye use without blinking, such as using a phone, looking at a computer, or watching TV.
Being in an area with strong wind, dry air, or a lot of dust.
Continuous use of contact lenses for a long period.
Side effects from certain medications, such as antihistamines and blood pressure medicine.
Certain diseases, such as Sjögren’s syndrome or autoimmune diseases.
Increasing age, which causes the oil glands around the eyes to function less effectively.

Symptoms found in people with dry eyes include:

Burning, stinging, or irritation, feeling like sand in the eyes.
Red eyes or constant watering (as the body attempts to compensate for the dryness).
Intermittent blurred vision, especially after prolonged eye use.
Feeling eye strain or pain when in windy environments.

Care and Treatment for Dry Eyes

Use artificial tears to increase moisture in the eyes; choose preservative-free types if frequent use is required.
Rest your eyes every 20 minutes when staring at screens for a long time, using the 20-20-20 rule (look 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes).
Avoid dry wind from fans or air conditioners by directing the airflow away from your face.
Drink more water to keep the body hydrated.
Gently massage your eyelids to stimulate the oil glands that help produce the tear's oily layer.

If dry eye symptoms do not improve, you should see an ophthalmologist to find the underlying cause, such as tear duct occlusion (punctal plugs) or other underlying diseases.

Complications of dry eyes, if left untreated, may include corneal inflammation, corneal ulcers, or even eye infections, which can lead to permanent vision loss. Therefore, managing dry eye symptoms from an early stage is very important.