Gran Canaria, August 2022. The arrival of summer and the rise in temperatures increase the chances of suffering from dry eyes, explains by Dr. Andre Magalhaes, a specialist with the Hospiten Roca Ophthalmology Service. Our eyes need tears to stay healthy and comfortable, so when they do not produce enough tears, a conditions called dry eye develops.
This can also occur when the tear is not of good quality, which happens when the composition of the tears is not balanced. The condition affects half of those over 40 - 60% of women and 40% of men.
The doctor explains that the main symptoms are dry eyes, the feeling that you have a foreign body in your eye, a burning sensation, eye fatigue, irritation, intolerance to or being uncomfortable in bright light and even changes in your vision. These symptoms can be aggravated by meteorological conditions like episodes of dust in suspension, since it produces "an increase in temperature, a change in humidity and dust particles in the air".
In addition to dust, there are other factors that can lead to symptoms or the worsening of symptoms. Dr. Magalhaes mentions hormones and age, health factors like consuming antidepressants or antihistamines, undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatments, suffering from autoimmune diseases or having had eye surgery, and environmental factors like
dry or polluted air or even air conditioning. He goes on to explain that using contact lenses can also aggravate the symptoms.
In terms of preventing the condition, the doctor explains that, in the case any of these symptoms develop, it is important to consult with your ophthalmologist to "take measures to avoid the consequences of dry eye".
Once the disease is diagnosed, the patient must have regular check-ups, follow the recommendations of the ophthalmologist. In addition, the condition requires the patient following a routine of care and good habits at home. Among these measures, Dr. Magalhaes points out the importance of good eyelid hygiene, using contact lenses suitable for patients with this condition, using humidifiers and wearing sunglasses outdoors whenever possible.