New Delhi: If your eyes are burning and feeling irritated and dry, then you’re not alone. Eye specialists are seeing a noticeable rise in cases of people reporting these symptoms. But is the real cause of the burning feeling in your eyes?
This eye burning has been reported as a prominent symptom among people, primarily because of digital strain. People’s increasing dependence on screens, whether it’s computers, smartphones, or tablets, is making us blink less. Excessive screen usage reduces our natural blink rate, which in turn affects the tear film on the surface of the eyes.
Blinking less means that the eyes don’t get the lubrication they need, resulting in dryness, irritation, and, eventually, a burning sensation. This condition, commonly referred to as digital eye strain or computer vision syndrome, is becoming increasingly prevalent across all age groups.
Digital eye syndrome refers to a group of eye conditions associated with prolonged screen time, including headaches, eye discomfort, dry eyes, and neck and shoulder pain. But the screen isn’t the only culprit. The air we breathe in cities is also affecting people’s eyes. Air pollution has increased in urban cities in the past few years. Particulate matter and toxic gases irritate the ocular surface.
Fine dust particles, such as PM2.5, chemicals, and allergens in the air, can damage the eye’s surface over time. Overusing over-the-counter eye medications. When people take medicines without being prescribed, it can mask underlying issues, and when the effects wear off, the problem can rebound and even worsen the previous eye condition.
There are some ways to protect your eyes
- Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Use protective eyewear in polluted or windy conditions.
- Maintain indoor humidity with a humidifier, especially if you spend long periods in an air-conditioned room.
- Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and blink more consciously when using screens.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears if you’re unable to reduce screen or AC exposure.
- Get annual eye checkups to detect dry eye conditions and prevent long-term damage.
With the changing lifestyle and environmental conditions, burning and irritated eyes are becoming increasingly common. But by taking proactive steps, the discomfort can be managed, and serious issues can be avoided.
