Dr. Marrotte reports 'Dry eye syndrome' can afflict office workers

A recent article by Diane C. Lade of the Sun-Sentinel focuses new attention on the widespread problem of Dry Eye Syndrome in the younger working population, says Dr. Rick Marrotte of Boca Raton, FL (www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flhlpdry0303sbmar03,0,2800967.story)

Historically, dry eye sufferers have been older people whose eyes become naturally dryer with advancing age. In the past 8 to 10 years, more and more young people staring at a computer screen at work all day have developed symptoms of dry eyes.

Common symptoms include a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes, a burning sensation, redness and eye fatigue. About 60 to 65 percent of patients don't progress beyond the disorder's first stages, but if left untreated some people can develop more serious complications, such as infections and corneal nerve damage.

Drinking more water, taking frequent breaks away from the screen and using artificial tears are just some of the ways to reduce Dry Eye Syndrome symptoms. With a reduction in blinking rate at the computer, soft contact lens wearers are particularly susceptible to dry eyes. Dr. Marrotte recommends getting a thorough evaluation and consider upgrading your contact lenses to one of the newer materials better able to handle the dehydration of water from the lenses.

“The most common types of occupations most at risk included accountants, software engineers, executive assistants and customer service representatives. Long-haul truckers and flight attendants are also very likely to develop Dry Eye Syndrome because of long hours in air-conditioned trucks or airplane cabins filled with pressurized, recirculated air,” says Dr. Marrotte.

Dry eye also can be part of medical health conditions, as well. Sjögren's syndrome that occurs in people with rheumatoid arthritis have a great tendency to develop, dry irritated eyes. Many blood pressure and sinus medications produce dry eyes as a common side effect.

The American Optometric Association compares Dry Eye Syndrome to the better-known carpal tunnel syndrome, another workplace disorder that involves the wrist rather than the eye. Some believe carpal tunnel can be caused by extended keyboard use.

For a complete evaluation of your potential for Dry Eye Syndrome, or if you are experiencing symptoms now, contact Dr. Rick Marrotte at 561-487-3340 or visit his website at www.CustomVisionCare.com