Maintaining Your Eye Health at Your Desk Job
Spending too much time in a cubicle can put stress on your eyes. But there are steps to take to maintain your eye health. Here’s how to avoid it.
Are Dry Eyes Serious?
Moisture is essential for vision, and at least 16 million people (up to 49 million may have it undiagnosed) in America struggle with dry eyes.
In most cases, the effects of dry eyes are short-term and clear up with treatment. But if your issues persist, it’s time to schedule an appointment to have your eyes checked out.
McKinney, Texas, residents dealing with dry eyes or other vision problems can rely on the help of Drs. Hena Khaja, Soha Rafi, and our dedicated team at Texas Eye Doctors.
Common reasons for dry eyes
These issues frequently lead to dry eye:
- Digital screens: using screens, phones, computers, and TVs dries our eyes by making us blink less
- Aging: as you get into your 50s and older, you produce fewer tears, increasing the risk of dry eyes
- Hormones: changes in levels raise your chances of dry eyes, and it often affects pregnant women or those going through menopause
- Medications: hypertension drugs, psychotropic medications, antihistamines, and decongestants lower tear production
- Eye surgery: dry eyes can happen as a short-term side effect of eye surgeries
- Blepharitis: inflammation of the eyelids can cause many symptoms, including dry eyes
Complications of dry eyes
If the problems with dry eye become chronic and go untreated, it can cause many other issues:
Corneal abrasions and ulcers
Your corneas form the outer layer of your eyes. Without enough moisture from tears to keep them lubricated, it’s easier to develop abrasions and open sores called ulcers.
This happens when enough debris, dust, and other particles scratch the cornea enough to allow infections. Over time, this can cause vision loss and blindness if not treated.
Blurred vision
Various eye conditions that cause dry eyes can lead to blurred vision. When your eyes become irritated, your vision can be distorted due to changes in the corneal surface.
Infections
In addition to the higher risk of getting pinkeye, you’re also at greater risk of infectious keratitis, which can stem from viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
Treatment options
Caring for dry eyes involves many approaches. We offer customized solutions that include:
- Medicated eye drops and ointments
- Artificial tears
- Procedures to unblock the oil glands
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Amniotic membrane replacement
Dry eyes can be a mild irritant, or if left untreated, a danger to your vision. Make an appointment with Drs. Khaja, Rafi, and our Texas Eye Doctors team today to find relief.
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