In today's fast-paced digital age, people working in offices find themselves spending countless hours glued to computer screens, often in air-conditioned environments that can wreak havoc on their eyes. One common complaint arising from this modern lifestyle is dry eyes. While seemingly innocuous, dry eyes can lead to discomfort, decreased productivity and even long-term damage if not properly addressed.
 
Dry eyes occur when the eyes fail to produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to an insufficient moisture layer on the eye's surface. Here are several factors contribute to this uncomfortable condition:

Prolonged Screen Time: Staring at digital screens for extended periods reduces the frequency of blinking, which is essential for distributing tears across the eye's surface. This prolonged screen time can strain the eyes and worsen dryness.

Air-Conditioned Environments: Air-conditioned offices can create dry indoor air, causing the tears to evaporate more quickly than usual. This leads to dry and irritated eyes, especially when combined with reduced blinking.

Poor Ergonomics: Incorrect screen placement or poor ergonomic setups can contribute to dry eyes. When screens are not positioned at the correct angle or height, it can strain the eyes and affect tear distribution.

Contaminated Indoor Air: Dust, allergens, and pollutants present in indoor air can irritate the eyes and trigger dryness. Prolong exposure to pollutions could lead to chronic allergic conjunctivitis which is one of the most important factors leading to chronic dry eye.

Contact lenses: Multiple factors causing dry eyes when wearing contact lenses, such as reduced oxygen flow to the eyes surface, tear film disruption, evaporation, and change in blinking pattern.

Inflammation of glands inside the eyelids: Meibomian gland dysfunction is one of the most common causes of evaporating dry eye. Meibomian glands are the glands located inside the upper and lower eyelids which produce the outermost layer of the tear film. Chronic inflammation leads to chronic obstruction and gland dysfunction and dead then the dry eye as a cause by insufficiency of lipid layer of tear film production is worse.

 

Preventing Dry Eyes

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: To combat screen-induced dryness, adopt the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. This practice encourages blinking and gives your eyes a chance to relax.

Blink Regularly: Make a conscious effort to blink more frequently, even while concentrating on your tasks. Blinking helps keep the eyes moist and refreshed.

Optimize Workspace Ergonomics: Position your screen at eye level and adjust lighting to reduce glare. A well-arranged workspace can alleviate strain and reduce the risk of dry eyes.

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Proper hydration supports overall eye health and maintains tear production.

Use a Humidifier: If your office environment is excessively dry due to air conditioning, consider using a humidifier to add moisture to the air.

 

Treating Dry Eyes:

When to Seek Professional Help. While preventive measures go a long way, it is crucial to consult an ophthalmologist if you experience persistent dry eye symptoms. The ophthalmologist at the Bumrungrad Eye Center can provide personalized guidance and recommend treatments tailored to your condition. Some treatment options include:

Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial teardrops can provide immediate relief by supplementing the eye's natural tear film.

Prescription Medications: In more severe cases, your ophthalmologist might prescribe medications that help increase tear production or reduce inflammation.

Lifestyle Adjustments: Your ophthalmologist can suggest specific lifestyle changes to improve eye health, including dietary adjustments rich in omega-3 fatty acids and maintaining a proper balance between work and rest.

The Bumrungrad Eye Center provides the following procedures to alleviate discomfort and improve the overall eye health for individuals suffering from chronic dry eyes:    

Punctal Plugs: Punctal plugs are small devices inserted into the tear ducts to help retain moisture on the surface of the eye. By blocking or partially blocking these ducts, tears stay on the eye longer, providing relief from dryness.

Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Treatment: IPL treatment is an advanced therapeutic option for addressing the root cause of meibomian gland dysfunction, a common contributor to dry eye. IPL therapy can be administered every 2-4 weeks to enhance tear production, reduce inflammation, and combat bacteria and parasites in the affected area.

Eyelid Hygiene Treatment (Eyelid Spa): Eyelid hygiene treatment encompasses a combination of procedures, including warm compresses, meibum expression, and eyelid scrubbing. It is often recommended for patients with chronic dry eye. Warm compresses help melt and soften hardened meibum, which can then be easily expressed to open up the obstructed meibomian glands. Meibomian gland expression is a technique that involves the manual expression of blocked meibomian glands. This process helps clear the obstructed gland contents, promoting better oil secretion for tear film stability.

Subsequently, microscopic eyelid cleaning is performed to efficiently remove debris and address any bacterial or parasitic concerns.
 
These in-office procedures are designed to provide relief from the symptoms of chronic dry eye and address underlying causes. Consulting with a Specialists at the Bumrungrad Eye Center can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to an individual's specific condition and needs. Regular check-ups with an eye specialist are crucial to detect any potential issues early on.

Dry eyes are a common concern when working in an office setting, exacerbated by prolonged screen time and air-conditioned environments. While preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of dry eyes, seeking professional help from an ophthalmologist is paramount for long-term eye health. By following a few simple strategies and incorporating regular eye check-ups into your routine, you can enjoy comfortable and productive days at work while safeguarding your precious vision.


Contributed by Dr. Nattawut Wanumkarng, Cataract and Oculoplastic & Reconstructive Surgery Specialist