What’s Causing Your Itchy, Dry Eyes and How to Fix It
Your mum might just have been onto something when she warned you about too much screen time
You know it already that it is that age where back-to-back Zoom calls, endless scrolling, and one-too-many late-night Netflix binges, are making our eyes cry out for mercy or rather, not cry at all. And that, unfortunately, is the problem.
Dry, itchy eyes are fast becoming the quiet epidemic of our overly digital lives. If you've found yourself frequently rubbing your eyes that strangely satisfying yet entirely unhelpful habit, yeah, it’s time to raise an eyebrow and pay attention.
Rubbing your eyes here and there might seem harmless, even comforting. But when it becomes a reflex, it’s usually your body’s way of sounding an alarm. Often, it points to underlying issues such as dry eye syndrome, digital eye strain, or even chronic irritation and none of these pair well with your goal to lead a "healthy" life.
You might not notice it immediately, but eye strain can creep in like an uninvited guest at a garden party and before long, you're dealing with heavy, tired eyes that seem to ache more than ever. So how do you know when your eyes are crying out for help — metaphorically speaking? Well, if you rarely produce tears when you laugh, yawn, or get a little teary-eyed watching dramas, that’s a rather glaring sign.
You see, tears aren't just for emotional moments, they’re nature’s way of keeping our eyes hydrated, nourished and, frankly, functioning. When your eyes can’t produce enough natural moisture, they start to dry out, leading to that itchy, scratchy, desert-like sensation.
Now, if you're nodding in agreement (or blinking furiously to make up for what's been lost already), it might be time to consider taking an appointment to see an ophthalmologist, add carrots to your diet, but mainly exercises.
Left untreated, chronic dryness can lead to more severe issues. Think redness, inflammation, even damage to the surface of the eye. Not exactly a glamorous look, is it?
What You Can Do?
Fear not, for salvation is at hand and it doesn’t require giving up your screen time altogether. Here are a few eye-loving rituals to adopt:
The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s like yoga for your eyes.
Hydration, darling: Drink plenty of water. Dry eyes often stem from a dry body.
Humidify your space: Especially during winter months or if you live in a particularly dry climate.
Invest in quality drops: Speak to your optician or pharmacist for the right artificial tears.
Limit the rub: As tempting as it is, rubbing your eyes can make things worse, spreading bacteria or causing microscopic damage.
Dry, itchy eyes might seem like a small nuisance in the grand scheme of things, but they can significantly affect your quality of life. Taking the time to care for your eyes isn't only self-care, it’s simply essential. So next time you feel that all-too-familiar itch, resist the urge to rub and instead, reach for a remedy that does more than just soothe. Because honestly, your eyes deserve better and so do you!