Dry Eye Disease and Causes

Prof. Dr. Ali Şimşek, Head of the Department of Ophthalmology at Harran University Faculty of Medicine in Şanlıurfa, stated that seasonal transitions and spending time in front of screens are among the most important causes of insufficient tears, also known as dry eye disease.

Prof. Dr. Ali Şimşek made important statements regarding insufficient tears, or commonly known as ‘dry eye’ disease. Şimşek emphasized that seasonal transitions and spending time in front of screens are among the main causes of dry eye disease. He also expressed that environmental factors and air quality are among the leading causes of dry eye disease, highlighting the need to reduce the time spent in front of screens.

Symptoms and Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Prof. Dr. Ali Şimşek stated, ‘There is a really wrong definition of dry eye among the public. Dry eye is a symptom complex that ranges from insufficient quantity and quality of tears. So, both the quantity and the components in tears can be insufficient.’

Şimşek described the symptoms of dry eye as ‘my eyelids feel as if my eyes are dry,’ indicating that this condition can lead to a wide range of symptoms such as a feeling of grittiness in the eyelids, pain, and even blurred vision.

Causes and Preventive Measures of Dry Eye Disease

Prof. Dr. Şimşek emphasized that one of the most common causes of dry eye in modern times is spending excessive time in front of screens, pointing out that children spending long hours on phones can increase the risk of dry eye.

Şimşek stated that environmental factors and air quality can trigger dry eye, recommending to stay away from air-conditioned environments and avoid dusty or windy places.

Methods Used in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease

Prof. Dr. Ali Şimşek mentioned that in the treatment of dry eye, the patient’s environmental factors are thoroughly examined and the treatment plan is shaped accordingly. He explained that treatment is initiated by focusing on allergic reactions, inflammatory conditions, and other factors.

Şimşek drew attention to the fact that the use of contact lenses in patients can also increase dry eye, emphasizing the need to be cautious in this regard and to switch to treatment when necessary.