Monitor worker wisely use drops

Be careful with eye drops on dry eyes by screen work

21/01/2013

Today's office work is essentially characterized by activities on the computer. The constant staring at the monitor for the eyes is an enormous burden. At regular intervals, those affected should therefore give their eyes a break, advises the German Ophthalmological Society (DGO).

When working on the monitor for a long time, the experts advise to close the eyes for a moment at regular intervals and then let their gaze wander into the distance. This short break could already bring about a clear alleviation of the eye complaints. However, the eye drops used by many sufferers are only conditionally suitable for treating the symptoms. „You should talk to an ophthalmologist before taking“, explained Prof. Dieter Friedburg from the German Ophthalmological Society in a news release from the news agency „dpa“. At worst, eye drops can also have a detrimental effect on the eyes. According to the DGO, for example, eye damage such as chronic inflammation of the ocular surface caused by the preservatives in the eye drops is threatening.

Dry eyes through screen work
Screen work is an enormous burden for the eyes. „Many work so concentrated that they stare at the screen all the time, forgetting to blink“, explained Professor Friedburg. The consequence was dry and red eyes. Also, the eyesight is due to the overexertion temporarily back. After a day on the PC, many people see worse in the evening, but usually no permanent damage to the eye occur, but the full sight returns after a sufficient rest. According to the experts, the complaints can generally be avoided altogether if the at-risk persons, when working on the screen, make sure that they regularly interrupt work and give their eyes a brief break.

Eye drops without preservative recommended
Eye drops may also help to protect the eye from dryness, but prolonged use is often associated with significant side effects. Therefore, a specialist should be urgently consulted before use. Also, special care should be taken with eye drops containing preservatives. This is how it works, for example „the commonly used preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAC) negatively affects the tear film and the ocular surface,“ explained DOG-Presidium member Dr. Elisabeth Messmer from Munich in a press release a good week ago. This could „Lead to dry eye or worsen the condition of a dry eye“, instead of achieving a positive effect, Messmer continues. Therefore, those who get dry eyesight should pay attention to use eye drops without preservatives if possible. (Fp)

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