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The Impact of Environmental Factors on Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry EyeDry eye syndrome is a common eye condition that affects millions of people globally. It’s caused by the eyes not producing enough tears or when they produce low quality tears that evaporate too quickly, resulting in discomfort and irritation. 

It can be caused by different factors, but environmental factors play a significant role in the development of dry eye. Total Focus Northgate and Dry Eye Clinic in Glengarry, Edmonton explores the impact of environmental factors on dry eye syndrome and how you can effectively manage this condition below.

Air Quality

A significant environmental factor that impacts dry eye syndrome is air quality. Polluted air irritates the eyes, which causes them to dry out more quickly. 

People who live in areas with high levels of pollution often experience chronic dry eye symptoms. 

Poor indoor air quality can also trigger dry eye syndrome, and so can heating and air conditioning systems which dry out the air.

Climate

Places with dry, hot climates can cause the eyes to dry out more quickly, leading to increased symptoms of dry eye syndrome. They also impact how often an individual has to hydrate because high temperatures and low humidity levels result in increased water loss from the body. 

Windy conditions can also cause tears to evaporate more quickly, which exacerbates dry eye.

Screen Time

Prolonged exposure to screen time can trigger dry eye syndrome. This is because people tend to blink less when using digital devices. 

Digital screens also emit blue light, which can cause eye strain and dryness. 

Lifestyle Factors

Certain lifestyle factors can also contribute to dry eye symptoms. 

An example includes smoking, which can irritate the eyes and lead to dryness and discomfort. Drinking can also cause dryness because it dehydrates the body. 

Additionally, if an individual lacks omega-3 fatty acids in their daily diet, this can impact their tear production. 

How to Manage Dry Eye Syndrome

Managing dry eye syndrome depends on the root cause of an individual’s dry eye. Oftentimes, an optometrist will offer a combination of lifestyle changes and medical treatments.

This includes recommending frequent breaks when working on a computer or other digital device, avoiding environmental triggers, using warm compresses, prescription eye drops, punctual plugs, and more.

Refraining from smoking and incorporating more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can also alleviate and prevent dry eye. 

Dry Eye Treatments in Glengarry, Edmonton

Environmental factors can cause and worsen dry eye syndrome. If you’re experiencing symptoms of dry eye syndrome, book an appointment with Total Focus Northgate and Dry Eye Clinic in Glengarry, Edmonton so that we can create a custom treatment plan for you. 




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