Dry eye: women have a risk 5 times higher

The Dry Eye It is the most frequent disease of the eyes, affects more than 5 million people in Spain and has been increasing in recent years. The return to work after the holidays aggravates the symptoms of Dry Eye Disease (EOS) since both heating and air conditioning of offices or computer screens are some of the factors that favor the EOS, and the discomfort is accentuated even more as the day progresses.

According to Prof. José Manuel Benítez del Castillo, professor of Ophthalmology at the UCM, "there are studies that show that the worst months are from October to February, so at that time it is necessary to take special care and follow guidelines that can help to relieve symptoms, as well as proper treatment. "


Typical symptoms of dry eye

Patients with Dry Eye They suffer from irritation, a grittiness and burning sensation in the eyes, sensitivity to light, dryness, pain and eye fatigue, which makes everyday tasks such as reading, driving, watching TV or working at a computer screen difficult. This makes the EOS a factor that affects the quality of life and also decreases labor productivity.

Women have a 5 times greater risk of suffering from dry eye

The dry eye is the most frequent disease of the eyes, and consists of the lack of tears, or having enough tears, in a bad quality of it. This happens especially when the blinking decreases, that is, when the view is fixed, -like when reading, watching television, working with a computer or driving-, and causes eye discomfort, as well as poor vision.


In Spain, dry eye affects more than 5 million people. According to Prof. Benítez del Castillo, "the greater knowledge of dry eye disease, surgical interventions, nutrition and also the increase in life expectancy are some of the reasons why Dry Eye Disease has increased in In recent years, women also have a 5 times greater risk of suffering from dry eye, especially after menopause, because the male hormone protects against dry eyes. "

The global prevalence of EOS is up to 33% in some populations, and the numbers are increasing. Between 5% and 10% of people have moderate to severe disease.

This disorder can be caused by several factors related to the modern lifestyle such as air conditioning and the increased use of computer screens. The disease is also associated with aging and diabetes 2, which are currently increasing.


Recommendations from specialists to combat dry eye

1. Visit the ophthalmologist. Who is the one who will make a correct diagnosis

2. Increase the relative humidity of the environment. Placing for example a humidifier in the workplace

3. Take frequent breaks from the computer screen. It is advisable to work two hours with the computer and take half-hour breaks in which you can do other jobs that are not fixed on the screen

4. Take into account the quality of the screen. The important thing is that the screen has a good resolution, the filters on the screen do not add anything

5. Place the screen a little below the line of sight. If the screen is very high, you have more open eyes and the palpebral fissure (the natural opening between the eyelids) is larger, which implies that the evaporation surface is larger and the eye dries more.

6. Uses glasses instead of contact lenses if you work with a computer. The contact lenses are a factor that aggravates the EOS, however the glasses protect from the air that dries the eyes

7. Drink water. Dehydration worsens the EOS problem

8. Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Which are two of the factors that favor dry eye disease

9. Increase omega 3 intake and decrease the intake of omega 6. Choose foods such as blue fish, legumes or nuts and avoid excess meat

10. Use a treatment for dry eye syndrome. The ophthalmologist will tell you which is best suited to your needs

Marisol Nuevo Espín
Advice:Dr. Antonio Mateo, of the Cornea and Ocular Surface Unit (UCSO) of the H.U Miguel Servet de Zaragoza

It may interest you:

- Dry eye, a syndrome that can be avoided

- How to take care of your eyes if you work with a computer: eye fatigue

- 10 tips to prevent eye problems

- Cranberries, a natural medicine for the vision of your eyes

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