Dry Eyes Are Not Just A Matter Of Age, These Are Risk Factors To Watch Out For

Illustration of dry eyes (Pexels/Antoni)

JAKARTA - Dry eyes are common eye problems, but they are still often ignored. Generally, eye health problems that can occur with age. However, there are several factors that need to be watched out for, especially the cause.

Dry eyes are a condition when the eyes do not get enough lubricant from tears. This condition can not only be a sign of other diseases, but also affects the quality of life of the sufferer.

"So what is called dry eye does not mean that his eyes don't have any tears at all. It could be that the volume is sufficient, but indeed the quality or component in that layer has changed," said dr. Niluh Archi, SpM (dr. Manda), a Dry Eye Specialist and Contact Lense, JEC Eye Hospitals and Clinics, when met in the Kedoya area, West Jakarta, recently.

Dry eyes can occur due to a number of risk factors that trigger them. There is a demographic factor that includes age, gender, which greatly affects patients suffering from dry eyes.

"Generally, over 50 years of age, gender is generally a woman," he said.

Other factors that cause the eyes to dry are chronic diseases suffered by the patient. Starting from diabetes, hypertension, hypercolterol, hormonal disorders, to autoimmune.

Not only that, lifestyle can also be a risk factor that triggers dry eyes. Such as the use of incorrect contact lenses and other actions in the eyes.

"The condition in dry eyes, the most common thing is the use of contact lenses or actions that have been taken in the eyes," he explained.

Then the duration of the eyes staring at the phone screen or laptop also affects dry eyes. Environmental factors such as humidity can also trigger dry eyes.

"Use of screen time, environmental factors such as humidity, room temperature, and sleeping patterns and diet," concluded Doctor Niluh.