Our eyes are exposed daily to harmful environmental factors. Normally, the structures of the eye are protected by a layer of tear film, which is essential for maintaining sharp vision. A deficiency of this film – and with it, important antibacterial substances such as lysozyme -increases the risk of bacterial infections. Do you know which factors disrupt its production and contribute to eye fatigue and infections?
Dry Air
Dry air, artificial lighting, and smoke-filled or air-conditioned spaces are common causes of what’s known as dry eye syndrome. Symptoms such as burning, eye fatigue, blurred vision, redness, and even light sensitivity tend to intensify toward the end of the day. How can you prevent dry eye? Start by regularly airing out rooms where you spend time, and always have preservative-free artificial tears from the pharmacy on hand. Spending long hours in front of a computer – especially under poor conditions – is another major contributor to dry eye.
Improper Lighting
Both overly bright and too dim lighting can cause your eyes to tire much faster. The recommended light intensity in rooms with computer screens should be no less than 500 lux – and ideally above 750 lux for older individuals. The lighting should also be diffused, not direct.
UV Radiation
We are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation every day. UV rays reach our eyes not only directly – when we look at the sun – but also indirectly by reflecting off surfaces such as snow, water, sand, glass, and even clouds. On a sunny day, our eyes can be exposed to up to 10 times more light than they should be! This radiation irritates the eyes and accelerates the aging process. To protect your eyes, always wear high-quality sunglasses with a CE mark that confirms compliance with European safety standards. The most effective lenses for UV protection are brown, amber, gray, or green.
