Dry Eyes in Teenagers

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Hi there, I'm 18 and currently suffering from quite severe dry eye symptoms that appeared suddenly less than 2 months ago. After being an avid computer user that spent many hours a day in front of a screen all my life, around 2 months ago very suddenly within a week I physically could not sit in front of a computer without extreme stinging and pain in my eyes. It took several trips to an optometrist to finally get diagnosed with Meibomian Gland Dysfunction and Anterior Blepharitis. Since then, I have been using various treatments such as eye drops, lid wipes and a warm compress. I've noticed an improvement since those first few weeks of hell thankfully. I do wonder though, How could this have appeared so rapidly having had zero eye problems my entire life? and secondly, Will I have to learn to live with it at this point as depressing as that may be? Any advice would be very much appreciated, Thank you.

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1 Reply

  • Posted

    Hallo there.This is becoming a more and more common occurrence, and as you say, its mainly due to screen work and forgetting to blink. Its happening all over the world. If you dont blink your meibomian glands dont discharge and begin to work less and less. You should try to limit your screen time to whats absolutely necessary...difficult I know when you are only 18, but thats a start.

    You must carry on with the eye drops and never let your eyes feel dry before you use them.

    You should also try to protect your eyes from open fires,smokey conditions, wind and breezes, air conditioning...especially in cars, and fans in the Summer months.

    Many sufferers take Omega 3 capsules and also Sea Buckthorn oil capsules, which some say is brilliant. I will send you a Private message

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