Q and A: Tips on how to avoid dry eye syndrome

Adequate quality and quantity of tears in the eyes is essential for smooth functioning of the eyes. The Dry eye syndrome is the change in quality or quantity of the three layers of the tear film. In an air-conditioned room especially in very low temperatures, there is of loss of humidity, the air becomes extremely dry and causes evaporation from the watery layer of tear film, causing evaporative dry eyes. Without lubrication, the eyes are more vulnerable to inflammation and infection.

Symptoms of dry eyes and dry eye syndrome are burning, dryness, grittiness, itchiness, heaviness, watering from the eyes and blurred vision. The reading speed of people suffering from dry eye tends to decrease.  The natural aging process, diabetes, thyroid disorders, Vitamin A deficiency and tear gland damage can also cause dry eyes. Air pollution and prolonged exposure to computer screens can also lead to dry eyes.

Try to minimise the number of hours in air-conditioned rooms, set AC temperature around 23 degree C and above. One should also avoid sitting with the face towards air conditioners. Consuming enough liquids daily, wearing sun glasses and lubricating eye drops can prevent dry eye.