Suha oko: vse pogostejša bolezen, ki se povečuje z mrazom in preveč zaslonov

The condition known as dry eye is becoming increasingly common, particularly during colder months and among individuals who spend long hours staring at screens. This issue arises due to a combination of factors including cold weather, excessive use of heating systems, which reduce indoor humidity, and prolonged screen time, which decreases blinking frequency. These elements create what experts describe as a "perfect storm" for dry eye syndrome, a condition where tears are either insufficient or lack proper quality to maintain eye moisture and clarity. According to a study involving nearly 11,000 participants, approximately 42.1% of the population suffers from dry eye symptoms. The condition affects women more significantly than men, with 45.1% of women reporting symptoms compared to 30.8% of men. Common symptoms include itching and burning sensations in the eyes, a feeling of having something in the eye, blurred vision, irritated eyes, mucus production, flaky skin along the eyelids, sensitivity to light, and paradoxically, excessive tearing as the body attempts to compensate for the lack of adequate lubrication. Dr. Gustavo Galperín, an ophthalmologist at the Pedro Lagleyze Hospital and former president of the Argentine Society of Ocular Surface (SASO), explains that tear production declines with age. His research, which included participants aged 12 to 92, confirmed that dry eye becomes more prevalent as people grow older, especially among women over 60 years of age. The study also found that 70% of cases are linked to autoimmune rheumatic diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as thyroid disorders. Younger individuals, however, often experience dry eye associated with increased screen usage, referred to as digital dry eye. Currently, dry eye is the most frequent reason for visits to an ophthalmologist's office. Galperín further notes that while the symptoms of this condition are widespread, so too is the lack of formal diagnosis. Insufficient sleep, less than seven hours per night, and spending more than six hours daily looking at screens exacerbate the condition. Certain medications, such as drops used to treat glaucoma, some antidepressants, and antihypertensive drugs, can also cause dry eye as a side effect. Dr. Emiliano López, an ophthalmologist specializing in corneal care at the Austral University Hospital, emphasizes that the quality of life and work productivity can be impacted by dry eye. He adds that combining the use of heating systems with enclosed environments lacking humidity and extended screen exposure poses challenges for workplace performance. Dr. Liliana Abuin, a consultant in ophthalmology and former head of the Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit at the Rodolfo Rossi Hospital in La Plata, states that dry eye is particularly common among post-menopausal women due to hormonal changes that increase susceptibility. However, it also occurs frequently in men who engage in tasks requiring sustained visual focus. Environmental pollution is another contributing factor. Dry eye manifests in three primary forms: evaporation-type, where tears evaporate quickly due to malfunctioning meibomian glands located in the eyelids; aqueous deficiency, where the eyes produce fewer tears, leading to a compensatory overproduction of poor-quality tears; and mixed-type, which combines both issues. Understanding these types helps in developing targeted treatment strategies. As awareness grows, so does the need for effective management and prevention methods to address this increasingly prevalent health concern.