Experts warn! Screen addiction increases dry eye in children

Dry eye syndrome, which causes problems that reduce quality of life such as burning, a gritty sensation, itching, and redness, has turned into an epidemic among children.

Stating that many more people are presenting with dry eye complaints compared to the past, Ophthalmology Specialist Prof. Dr. Arzu Taşkıran Çömez said, "The condition we call dry eye is quite prevalent. While it used to be seen only in individuals after a certain age, we are now seeing dry eye even in children, almost like an epidemic. The most important thing here is duration; we can reduce these problems by shortening the time spent, taking breaks, using artificial tears before looking at screens, or using eyeglass lenses that block screen light. We currently see signs of dry eye in almost 60-70 percent of patients. Of course, it is related to the climate, but I believe it is more related to things like screens and phones."

"WE ARE ALL CANDIDATES FOR DRY EYE DISEASE"

Drawing attention to environmental factors in dry eye, Prof. Dr. Çömez shared the following information:

"Age is one of the most important factors; being female, it can be seen more frequently in post-menopausal women. It can also be one of the first signs of certain systemic diseases. For example, it can emerge as a symptom of rheumatological diseases, which we call collagen tissue diseases, but with aging, we are all candidates for dry eye disease. Besides this, various professions, environments exposed to heat, and working in air-conditioned environments can have an effect. Even if there are no complaints, people should undergo an eye examination once a year; this may be a bit more frequent in children. We observe that myopia is increasing significantly in all of us, especially in children, after screen exposure, that is, looking at near objects. There is even a statistic that by 2050, almost half of the world's population will be myopic. The duration of near work in children should be reduced. For example, after a maximum of 20 minutes, they should stop near work and rest their eyes by looking into the distance."

IT HINDERS A PERSON'S QUALITY OF LIFE

Prof. Dr. Ceyhun Arıcı, a faculty member at the Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine's Department of Ophthalmology, pointed out that dry eye is a condition that affects many people. Prof. Dr. Ceyhun Arıcı stated, "Dry eye is actually a condition that has existed for a long time, but because we live in the age of technology, and unfortunately with our children's exposure to tablets, phones, and computers, we can basically divide it into two types. One is a lack of production, where tears cannot be produced sufficiently, and two is the inability to adequately protect what is produced."

Pointing out that there are over 150 proteins in tears and that they are among the most important fluids in the human body, Prof. Dr. Arıcı explained what can be done against dry eye as follows:

"Stinging, burning, and even overall sleep comfort are affected; it can wake a person from their sleep at night and, unfortunately, can affect their entire quality of life. When we are engaged in tasks that require concentration, our blinking reflexes decrease; the longer the eye remains open, the more it can be lost through existing evaporation."

If we are looking at something with concentration for 20 minutes, we should lift our heads for 20 seconds and look into the distance or close our eyes. The ideal environment we are in should have room temperature, and humidity should be above 40 percent. In dry air, especially in central systems like shopping malls, those with moderate to severe dry eye feel this directly. The conditions we call severe or moderate-to-severe are more specific cases. The most common finding we see in dry eye is this: wounds can develop on the cornea, the transparent tissue of the eye, and these open wounds create a foundation for infection. We need to provide the necessary treatment and our recommendations in the early stages.

"First, we suggest lifestyle changes for the individual. Following that, we attempt to stimulate tear production through topical treatments based on the medical condition, and in severe cases, sometimes through systemic, oral medications."