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Is Screen Time Causing Dry Eye Disease Affecting Children and Young Adults?

How To Cure Dry Eyes Naturally

Younger Patients Searching for How To Cure Dry Eyes Naturally

Historically, dry eye disease (DED) has been recognized as a health condition in adults, particularly those who are over the age of 50. However, eye doctors are now assisting a wave of new and unexpected patients with DED: children. As increased time in front of digital screens has led to more cases of dry eye disease in adults, it has also affected a much younger population. Read on for more about how digital eye strain is impacting kids, as well as common treatments and how to cure dry eyes naturally.

How Digital Screen Time Affects the Eyes

Countless people believe that blue light from various screens is what causes eye strain and related issues. However, according to an article from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, blue light in and of itself is not what inflicts damage to the eyes. In fact, there is no real evidence of a direct link between blue light and eye disease.

Instead, the actual culprit is the time in front of the screen. Prolonged time staring at a computer screen or smart phone is disruptive to a person’s normal blinking patterns. In turn, the resultant eye strain leads to uncomfortable symptoms, including dry eye. In addition, disruption to the normal functioning of the meibomian glands, located on the edges of eyelids, may cause clogged oil glands in eyelids. This is known as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Dry Eye Disease in Young Adults and Children

Once we understand the connection between more screen time and digital eye strain, it should not be surprising that younger individuals are now experiencing dry eye disease. It also logical that kids may suffer from ocular discomfort resulting from MGD. Eye doctors have reported seeing children as young as six years old with dry eye. Young people generally spend long periods of time in front of digital screens, whether they are doing school work, playing video games, texting, or engaging in social media.

If you suspect that your child is suffering from DED (or if you are a young adult who may have this condition), early detection and treatment could help slow its progression. Catching the problem early may also help to prevent more serious eye conditions from occurring.

The following are some of the most common signs of dry eye disease in kids:

  • watery eyes
  • blurred vision
  • rubbing eyes often because of discomfort
  • eyes feel dry and hot
  • sensation of dirt or sand in eyes
  • stinging and burning feeling in eyes

Treating Dry Eye in Children

If your young one is experiencing the symptoms of dry eye, you should make an appointment for the child to see an eye doctor as soon as possible. If DED is detected, the doctor may then devise a treatment plan for the patient.

In addition to medical treatment, you can implement some natural remedies from the comfort of home. These combined strategies may include oral antibiotics, topical medication, taking an omega-3 essential fatty acids supplement, and the application of a warm compress to the eyes.

How To Cure Dry Eyes Naturally With EyeGiene’s Heated Eye Mask

Dry eye disease should never be left untreated. If you, your child, or another loved one manifest the signs of DED, true relief is available. Along with the other options your eye doctor advises, our clinically tested heated eye mask for dry eyes offers natural, affordable relief to help you manage DED and meibomian gland dysfunction.

To receive the fastest response, contact us online today.