【Office Eye Care Self-Help】Do eye drops make dry eyes even drier? Ophthalmologist debunks dry eye myths and reveals internal and external remedies!

【Source and Link: Hong Kong Bright Eye Ophthalmological Centre - Which eye drops are good for dry eyes? An ophthalmologist recommends!】

Staring at a computer screen for over 8 hours a day, then continuing to scroll through your phone to reply to messages after work. Do you often feel your eyes dry, tired, or even experience burning and stinging sensations? "To meet project deadlines, even when my eyes ache, I can only rub them and carry on." This is a common reality for many Hong Kong office workers. When eyes protest, most people's first reaction is to grab any eye drops and apply them liberally, but what you might not know is that using the wrong eye drops not only fails to alleviate the dryness but can even make your eyes "drier with each drop"!

Today, combining insights from ophthalmologists, we'll delve into the causes and myths surrounding "dry eye syndrome" and teach you how to genuinely rescue your overworked windows to the soul through daily habits and internal and external care.

Are dry eyes always dry eye syndrome? Take a 1-minute self-assessment first.

Dry eyes don't necessarily mean dry eye syndrome, but ignoring the warning signs can easily lead to chronic inflammation. Ophthalmologists point out that dry eye syndrome is usually caused by insufficient tear secretion or abnormal meibomian gland secretion (unhealthy oil layer). You can conduct a preliminary self-assessment using the following symptoms:

• Do your eyes often feel dry, tired, or do your eyelids feel heavy?
• Is your vision sometimes blurry, and do your eyes feel like there's a foreign object in them (like sand)?
• When you wake up in the morning, is there a lot of thick, sticky discharge from your eyes?
• Do your eyes feel particularly uncomfortable or sting in air-conditioned rooms?
• Have your eyes become very sensitive to external stimuli like light, wind, or smoke?

If you experience 2 or more of these symptoms, your eyes are very likely on the verge of "dry eye syndrome" and require immediate attention!

Can misusing eye drops cause more harm? Your doctor will teach you how to choose.

There is a wide variety of eye drops on the market, but not all are suitable for dry eye syndrome patients. Ophthalmologists warn that many eye drops marketed for "red eye relief" or "extreme cooling" may contain preservatives or vasoconstrictors, which can damage the cornea with long-term use. For dry eye syndrome, doctors usually recommend the following options:

• Artificial tears: The most common method of relief. Available in drops, gels (better for hydration, suitable before bed), and ointments (longest-lasting effect). It is recommended to choose preservative-free single-dose artificial tears to minimize irritation to the eye.
• Autologous serum eye drops: For severe cases, made from the patient's own blood, containing growth factors that promote healing.
• Anti-inflammatory eye drops: Require a doctor's prescription, containing steroids or cyclosporine. Do not purchase and use long-term without medical supervision.

Internal and External Care: A Dual Repair Strategy to Bid Farewell to Dry Eyes

In addition to using the correct eye drops under a doctor's guidance, to fundamentally improve dry eye issues, it is essential to combine "external relief" with "internal nutrition." Externally, preservative-free lubricating eye drops and warm compresses can promote oil secretion; internally, it is necessary to supplement with eye-protective nutrients that filter blue light and offer antioxidant benefits. For this, we have curated a professional eye care solution for hard-working office professionals:

📍 Mong Kok Residents' Benefit: Order online and choose in-store pickup for personalized advice from professional staff!