With the global spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, many workplaces have rushed to issue guidelines for returning to remote work, due to the rapid transmission of the new variant. Of course, the work environment and offices are fertile ground for the virus's spread. Experts have warned of several issues associated with working from home, including back, neck, and knee pain, in addition to psychological problems. The coronavirus pandemic has also awakened the world to another epidemic: dry eye disease (DED), which has become increasingly common among people, especially under the current scenario of working from home, due to excessive reliance on electronic devices. Dry eye disease is a condition where tears do not provide adequate moisture to the eyes, either due to insufficient production or poor retention within the eyes.
Individuals suffering from this condition often experience a burning sensation when working on electronic devices for prolonged periods, along with difficulty keeping their eyes open due to the feeling of a foreign body, according to the "doctor-ndtv" website. Some may also suffer from blurred vision, particularly while driving. Furthermore, dry eye, commonly observed in adults, is also increasingly prevalent among children due to greater screen time following the global pandemic. The world has seen a shift in the daily routines of people of all ages, with a significant portion of work now being digital, increasing reliance on computers, phones, and tablets, resulting in a jump of approximately 30-40% in dry eye cases globally over the past year.
It is noted that while using any devices, a person blinks up to 66% less often, affecting eye moisture. The time spent on devices—whether for work, study, or gaming—requires intense focus that can lead to dry eyes. Dry eye can be associated with symptoms such as redness of the eye, eye pain, fatigue, a sensation of tingling or burning in the eye, discomfort from contact lenses, transient blurred vision, a sandy feeling, and decreased tolerance for prolonged screen viewing. Additionally, extended screen use also leads to strain due to the continuous effort of the eye muscles, resulting in eye pain and headaches.
To avoid dry eye, it is important to take frequent breaks from screen use, maintain good posture, and keep the eyes hydrated. To combat digital eye strain, one can ensure appropriate lighting without significant differences in brightness between the screen and surrounding areas, adjust display quality to a comfortable area with good contrast, and use special glasses.
Treating this condition includes drops to enhance lubrication and reduce inflammation in the eyes, certain lifestyle changes, and for individuals with severe cases, oral medications to address the underlying cause. Some forms of dry eye can also be managed with warm compresses, digital eyelid massage, and treatment with specialized equipment aimed at improving the function of the glands producing oil in the eye.
Despite the increasing prevalence, awareness of this condition among the general population remains low. Awareness of this insidious disease is extremely important, especially in the current situation where there is expanded use of digital screens for educational, informational, or entertainment purposes. Many people opt for home remedies such as rose water or cold water on the eyes; however, it is crucial to consult an eye doctor, not only to treat the condition but also to identify any related conditions that are often associated with this disease and manage them appropriately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help in better managing dry eye, and it is extremely important to undergo an annual routine eye assessment, especially under the circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic, to detect other eye diseases such as refractive errors, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy and manage them in the early stages.
