Dry Eye Syndrome

A Common Eye Condition You Might Have Without Realizing In today's society, people frequently spend their days staring at digital screens. Combined with hot weather, increased UV exposure, and air pollution from PM2.5 particles, more and more people are experiencing dry eye symptoms compared to the past. What is Dry Eye? What are its symptoms? How can it be treated? Let's explore. What is Dry Eye? Dry eye disease occurs when our eyes do not produce enough tears to keep them lubricated. Main Causes: Decreased tear production: This can be due to aging, being female, having certain medical conditions, or taking specific medications, all of which can reduce tear production. Increased tear evaporation: This happens when the oil glands in the eyelids become blocked. These glands normally produce oil to coat the tear film and prevent it from evaporating quickly. If these glands are chronically blocked or deteriorate, the tear film loses its stability, leading to dry eyes. This can also cause infections and conditions like blepharitis (stye). Factors Contributing to Dry Eye: Reduced tear production with age Hormonal imbalances, particularly in women, affecting tear quality and quantity Prolonged use of contact lenses Chronic allergies and conjunctivitis Extended screen time Exposure to dry, windy environments Decreased blinking due to prolonged focusing on screens Insufficient sleep Inadequate removal of eye makeup, leading to blocked oil glands Poor diet lacking essential nutrients Certain medical conditions, such as thyroid issues or autoimmune diseases Use of medications like isotretinoin for acne, birth control pills, and antihistamines Eye surgery or laser procedures Blocked oil glands in the eyelids Symptoms of Dry Eye: Stinging or burning eyes Blurred vision that comes and goes Sensitivity to light Itchy eyes, leading to frequent rubbing Red eyes that flare up periodically Watery eyes, resulting from irritation rather than lubrication Feeling of sand in the eyes Eye fatigue, eye strain, or headache Excessive eye discharge in the morning Risk of corneal ulcers and infections How to Manage Dry Eye: Use artificial tears to regularly lubricate your eyes. Blink frequently to stimulate tear production. Take breaks every 20 minutes when using screens, closing your eyes for 20 seconds each time. Wear sunglasses or wind protection glasses when outdoors. Avoid direct exposure to bright sunlight, wind, air conditioning, and pollutants. Limit screen use to essential tasks. Apply warm compresses to reduce oil gland blockages, followed by eyelid scrubs to remove blockages and improve tear film stability. Seek advice from an ophthalmologist for severe symptoms. Treatments may include prescription eye drops, oral medications, tear duct plugs, eye spa treatments, or IPL laser therapy, depending on the severity. Conclusion Dry eye is a common condition that can significantly impact daily life. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, consult an ophthalmologist to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. This will help maintain healthy eyes and prevent further complications, ensuring long-term comfort and clear vision for daily activities.

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Sun Rays And Your Eyes

Sun Rays And Your Eyes   By Dr. Charinun Jirapaphaisan Ophthalmologist, Vibhavadi Hospital As we all know, sunlight is a crucial factor that leads to various premature bodily deterioration, including your precious eyes.   • UV radiation from sunlight triggers the degradation of collagen tissues in the eye, causing the ocular tissues to deteriorate and become thicker. As we observe, it turns the dark eyes into a jelly-like substance, causing eye irritation and redness in the left eye when exposed to light. • The conjunctiva, also part of the deteriorating ocular tissues, thickens and accumulates more tissue and blood vessels as a consequence of UV radiation. In simple terms, it develops into red, sticky tissue on the dark eyes, which may require surgical treatment if it becomes severe. • The cornea, when exposed to UV radiation, undergoes molecular changes that result in the deterioration of its clarity, turning it into a cloudy lens and impairing vision. • Studies have shown that UV radiation directly contributes to the degeneration of the central focal point of the retina, which enlarges the image projected onto the optic nerve. Tips: Wearing sunglasses is the simplest method to protect your eyes from sunlight and UV rays, helping to preserve our vision for a longer time. • Dry eye syndrome is often encountered during hot summers and equally during cold winters. Tips: Take frequent breaks to rest your eyes while working, avoid direct exposure to air conditioning or fans blowing onto your face, and use artificial tears to alleviate dryness when necessary. Drinking plenty of water and consuming a generous amount of fruits and vegetables are essential for the golden age group as they tend to experience dry eye problems more frequently during the hot season. • Allergies are prevalent among individuals who suffer from seasonal allergies, occurring at the transition from late summer to early rainy seasons, resulting in intensified eye itching. Tips: Try to avoid contact or exposure to environments with dust particles and pollen from flowers or grass, as they can be the cause of allergies.  

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สมาร์ทโฟน ทำร้ายสายตา

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How to Respond When Exposed to Tear Gas

How to Respond When Exposed to Tear Gas   1. Evacuate the area promptly and seek shelter in a well-ventilated place. 2. Rinse your eyes with normal saline or clean water for 10-15 minutes. 3. If you wear contact lenses, remove them immediately. 4. Thoroughly wash your face, eyes, and hair, and change your clothes. Tear gas contains chemical agents, so it is important to remove any residue. Place the soiled clothes in a separate plastic bag. 5. Individuals who experience severe or prolonged exposure should seek medical attention for further evaluation of potential complications, such as corneal inflammation or respiratory issues.   Provided by: Dr. Mathinee Chongcharoen, M.D. Ophthalmologist at Vibhavadi Hospital"

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