Watching movies, surfing the internet, and playing mahjong are common forms of entertainment, but they can often strain your eyes, leading to symptoms like dryness, pain, itching, and a burning sensation. Don't dismiss these as temporary fatigue; they are typical signs of dry eye syndrome. In severe cases, it can lead to corneal ulcers and inflammation. Experts remind us that during intensive screen time, avoid staring for long periods without blinking, and remember to regularly moisturize your eyes!
Many people have misconceptions about dry eye syndrome. They mistake the symptoms of dryness, pain, and itching for a normal reaction to eye strain, thinking that simply resting their eyes or getting a good night's sleep is enough. As a result, the number of people affected is far higher than the number of those who seek medical help.
Dry eye syndrome is a very common eye condition. A normal eye's surface is covered by a very thin tear film, which lubricates the eyeball and keeps the cornea smooth and clear. "Watery eyes" is a vivid description of this protective layer.
Ophthalmologists often refer to tears as the "substitute for blood on the surface of the eyeball." When tear production is insufficient, it can lead to keratinization of the corneal epithelium. In severe cases of tear deficiency, it can also cause corneal ulcers and inflammation. If you use your eyes excessively for long periods or blink infrequently, the tear film on the surface of the eyeball will continuously evaporate, causing the lipid layer of the tear film to thin and resulting in dry eyes.
Symptoms of dry eye syndrome can worsen in cold or dry weather. Additionally, dry eye syndrome is closely related to poor dietary habits such as a preference for spicy food and stimulation from tobacco and alcohol, as well as conditions like female menopause and endocrine disorders.
"Dry eye syndrome is preventable. Consciously blinking more, using eye drops appropriately, and taking vitamin supplements can all improve your eyes' ability to regulate themselves," reminds Long Xinguang. He advises citizens to avoid staring intently for long periods during intensive screen time, as consciously blinking helps spread tears evenly over the cornea and conjunctiva surface, reducing excessive evaporation of moisture. In air-conditioned rooms, certain humidity measures should be taken, such as regularly spraying water and reducing exposure to smoke and dust. At the same time, artificial eye drops can be used to moisten the eyes. In terms of diet, one can eat more green vegetables rich in vitamins, egg yolks, carrots, grapes, etc., to get an adequate intake of lutein.
"According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), spring belongs to the wood element, which corresponds internally to the liver and gallbladder, and opens into the eyes. Therefore, spring is an excellent time to care for your eyes," he adds. During spring, consuming foods that nourish the blood, soften the liver, and nourish yin to moisten dryness can have a good preventive and therapeutic effect on dry eye syndrome. TCM herbal treatments and acupuncture also yield remarkable results.