Very common causes of eye irritation

Prolonged use of digital screens

What is known as Computer Vision Syndrome (or digital eye fatigue) refers to a number of symptoms or signs that appear as a result of continuous and prolonged use of digital screens.

It mostly affects the eyes, but sometimes also manifests as muscle problems (such as pain in the neck, back or shoulders, or as carpal tunnel syndrome).

It is estimated that 50-90% of computer users suffer from symptoms of Computer Vision Syndrome.


According to studies on this topic:

  • ● Computer use is associated with the diagnosis and appearance of the symptoms and signs of dry eye. Over 5 hours a day of computer use amounts to a risk factor for dry eye. The most frequent symptoms/signs are: a sensation of burning (58% of cases) or dryness (52%), blurred vision (45%) and red eye (41%).
  • ● Prolonged screen use can negatively affect the stability and volume of the tear film and the integrity of the corneal epithelium.
  • ● It is also associated with dysfunction of the Meibomian glands and goblet cells.
  • ● Users present anomalies in the blink index during use of digital devices; these reduce blink frequency and may cause the eyelid to close incompletely.
  • ● Blue light toxicity might be another factor contributing to the appearance of the symptoms and signs of dry eye.
  • ● Prolonged screen use is associated with the appearance of inflammation on the ocular surface and mucin alterations.

Some recommendations for preventing and treating Computer Vision Syndrome:

  • ● Using artificial tears several times a day.
  • ● In some cases it may be necessary to complement the use of drops with anti-inflammation drugs and specific therapies for the eyelids, which must be prescribed by a vision professional.
  • ● Improving the computer user’s posture and position with relation to the screen may have a positive effect for reducing eye strain and the symptoms of discomfort. Studies have concluded that the distance from the screen should be 90 cm and the angle of vision 10º.
  • ● It is advisable to reduce screen time, ideally resting 15 minutes every two hours.
  • ● Another possibility is to adopt the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes the user should look away from the screen and look at a distance of 20 feet for at least 20 seconds.
  • ● Another alternative for reducing dry eye is to improve humidity in the workplace.

Adverse environmental conditions

Adverse environmental conditions that affect the ocular surface can be found both outdoors (wind and pollution) and indoors (low relative humidity of the air caused by air conditioning or heating).

Atmospheric contamination can cause: eye irritation or redness, foreign body sensation, tearing and blurred vision. In spite of its importance, more studies are still needed on the relation between different types of pollution and the clinical signs and symptoms appearing in the eyes.

A good solution for such cases is to use eye baths with hyaluronic acid to cleanse the eyes and remove dust, irritants from pollution and allergens.

Acuaiss Dual Gotas cares for and relieves the eyes

These are artificial tears which immediately reduce eye irritation, and considerably increase comfort.

Acuaiss Dual Gotas contains two humectant and lubricant agents: hyaluronic acid and hydroxyethylcellulose. This is a very gentle, natural formula that provides advanced hydration and restores tears.

It immediately relieves the most common symptoms of eye irritation, such as itching, stinging and a gritty sensation.

Sources

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