Why are an Increased Number of Young People Suffering From Dry Eye?

Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition that affects people of all ages and can be caused by multiple factors. However, an increase in the number of young people with Dry Eye has been noted. The UNAM (Universidad Autonoma de México) warns that more than half of the young population (63.8%) suffers from dry eye.

Digital Devices and Dry Eye 

One of the primary causes of this significant percentage is the extended use of digital devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones. Since children are not used to taking breaks from the devices, it significantly affects their vision and leads to the development of Dry Eye.

Through a study presented in February 2022 by We Are Social in collaboration with Hootsuite, we learned that currently, 96.87 million Mexicans are Internet users. This number represents 74% of the 130.9 million inhabitants in the country. The main methods of accessing the internet are smartphones, computers, and tablets.

These numbers show us the amount of access that Mexicans have to digital devices and the Internet, with an average daily use of 8 hours and 55 minutes. However, it is important to point out that the amount can be even greater in younger populations.

According to the Encuesta Nacional sobre Disponibilidad y Uso de las Tecnologías de la Información en los Hogares (ENDUTIH), by INEGI in 2021, the age group with the highest concentration of internet users is 18 to 24 years old with a 93.4% participation.

There has been an increase in the use of digital devices, especially due to the effects of the pandemic and confinement, resulting in a greater need to take visual health care measures even in younger age groups. Below, we share tips to reduce the risk of developing Dry Eye.

Take care of the dry eye

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when our eyes don’t produce enough tears. Among the most common symptoms of dry eye include: itching, burning, excessive tearing, gritty sensation in the eyes, blurred vision and red eyes. 

To avoid suffering from Dry Eye, follow these tips:

1. Blink more often. Being in front of a screen reduces the frequency of blinking, so we recommend you follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object that is 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, to move the eyes away from screens for a few moments. Take advantage of these moments to increase the frequency of blinking. Make sure you blink with your eyes completely closed for the break to be effective.
2. Improve your diet. Add Omega-3 foods to your daily diet to improve the production of fatty tissues and to protect the tear film.
3. Design a comfortable workspace. For extended use of computers, design a workspace with adequate lighting and good ventilation, but avoid being directly in front of the airflow, as it will cause your eyes to dry out.
4. Use lubricating drops. Purchase over-the-counter ophthalmic drops that you can use to lubricate your eyes and relieve some symptoms of Dry Eye. Make sure the eye drops are preservative-free.
5. Eyelid hygiene. Maintain proper hygiene of your eyelids and eyelashes using non-perfumed neutral soap and cold water. Use oils or creams with caution since they can clog the lacrimal glands.
6. Visit an ophthalmologist. If you are having severe Dry Eye symptoms, schedule a consultation with a Cornea Specialist to receive the appropriate treatment for your type of Dry Eye.

Visit the Dry Eye Clinic at CODET 

At CODET, our goal is to provide effective care and treatment for Dry Eye patients, keeping their eyes healthy and comfortable while maximizing their own function and tear production.

CODET is one of the first to use MiBo Thermoflo specifically for the treatment of Dry Eye. MiBo Thermoflow is a safe, comfortable, affordable, effective, and long-lasting treatment for Dry Eye patients.

If you want to know if you suffer from Dry Eye, schedule a consultation with one of our ophthalmologists. A professional evaluation is the best way to diagnose Dry Eye and receive the personalized treatment you need. Schedule your consultation with one of our Dry Eye expert ophthalmologists.

Source: UNAM, National Eye Institute, Datareportal, INEGI