Unable to focus? It could be dry eye!
Digital Devices contribute to increased Dry Eye disease
People of all ages are spending an increasing amount of time in front of the screens of digital devices. This has led to an upsurge in reports of eye strain and dry eye.
What do tears do for our focus?
Poor tear quality can also cause blurry vision. Tears are a mixture of water, fatty oils, and mucus. If the harmonic balance is off between these three essential layers, the tears will no longer produce the necessary smooth cover over the front of the eye. Even though your eyes focus perfectly well, the uneven film of tears will distort your vision, and the test on your screen will appear blurry.
Symptoms of Digital Eye Strain
According to a study by the American Optometric Association, the most common symptoms of digital eye strain are:
• Asthenopia
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Neck and shoulder pain
Other symptoms may include screen-induced squinting (bad for tension headaches) and reduced blink rate which can make your eyes drier.
What can be done to treat dry eye?
Drops can be used to treat very mild forms of dry eye. Beyond that booking an evaluation with Dr. Aluwiesi, our dry eye specialist, will help determine the type of dry eye you may be suffering from. An evaluation will include a scan of your ocular surface and tear quality to determine the root cause of your dry eye. A treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your needs. Eyes on Lakeland has invested in the latest dry eye therapies to help our dry eye patients finally find the relief they deserve.
