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Arnold Jech wrote:
Have had irritated, sore eyes for some time. Taking allergy shots, no help that I can tell. Have had sinus surgery one side. Spend much time in front of computer. Eyes feel much better when closed, like I need to sleep-but getting enough sleep. Wear glasses, have had eyes checked but no indication of needing new glasses. This seemed to start immediately about 2 years ago after having moved from the country to town. Wonder if an additive to city water has anything to do with it. Thanks and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Dr Joan Hansen's response:
Dear Arnold,
Your description sounds as if you have dry eyes – in other words you are not able to produce tears fast enough to keep up with evaporation. When one is reading a computer (or regular paper) for long periods of time, the rate at which one blinks slows down along with the concentration. Add to that the likelihood that this computer time is spent indoors in a dry (air exchanged) environment, and there is a perfect combination for classic dry eyes. I would suggest that you ask your Optometrist to check your eyes to determine if they are indeed dry or if there is another problem. In the meantime, you might try using some artificial tears – just tears and not the drops that “make eyes less red”. Also try the 20-20-20 rule for computer use.. Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break and look 20 feet away (6 meters).
Dr. Joan Hansen
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