• Published on: Jul 22, 2025
  • 2 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

Dry Eyes Syndrome: Symptoms And Solutions

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Dry, itchy eyes are more than just annoying—they could be a sign of Dry Eyes Syndrome. With increased screen use and changing environments, this condition is becoming more common across all age groups.

Let’s break down the symptoms, causes, and most importantly—solutions for dry eyes syndrome in a simple and effective way.

What Is Dry Eyes Syndrome?

Dry Eyes Syndrome (also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca) happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. As a result, your eyes can’t stay comfortably moist, which leads to irritation and vision problems.

Common Symptoms of Dry Eyes Syndrome

If you experience two or more of these symptoms often, you might be dealing with dry eyes:

1. Gritty or Sandy Feeling

It may feel like something is stuck in your eye, even when it’s not.

2. Redness

Due to inflammation, dry eyes often appear bloodshot.

3. Itching or Burning Sensation

Especially noticeable when outdoors, in air-conditioned rooms, or near fans.

4. Watery Eyes

Yes—dry eyes can paradoxically cause more tears, but they’re usually poor-quality and evaporate quickly.

5. Blurry Vision or Light Sensitivity

This is caused by unstable tear film or irritation on the cornea.

What Causes Dry Eyes Syndrome?

There are many possible causes:

  • Prolonged screen time
     

  • Aging (especially after age 50)
     

  • Contact lens use
     

  • Autoimmune diseases (like Sjögren’s syndrome)
     

  • Dry climates or excessive air conditioning
     

  • Certain medications like antihistamines or antidepressants
     

  • Eye surgeries, including LASIK
     

Tests You Can Do (Available at SecondMedic.com)

You may be advised to undergo:

  • Schirmer’s Test: Measures tear production.
     

  • Tear breakup time: Checks how quickly tears evaporate.
     

  • Ocular surface staining: Identifies eye surface damage.
     

SecondMedic offers diagnostic options through partner labs like Thyrocare, with home sample collection available.

How to Treat Dry Eyes Syndrome

1. Use Artificial Tears

These eye drops provide temporary relief. Use preservative-free types for long-term use.

2. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce digital eye strain.

3. Increase Omega-3 Intake

Foods like walnuts, flaxseeds, and salmon help improve tear quality.

4. Stay Hydrated

Drink at least 8–10 glasses of water a day to maintain tear production.

5. Use a Humidifier

Especially in air-conditioned rooms or during winter months to retain moisture in the air.

6. Warm Compresses

Apply a warm, damp cloth on closed eyes to help unblock oil glands that lubricate the eyes.

7. Blink More Often

Especially when reading or using screens. Deliberate blinking keeps your eyes moist.

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms persist even after trying basic solutions, it’s time to see an ophthalmologist. You may need prescription eye drops, tear duct plugs, or treatments for underlying causes.

Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes

  • Avoid direct airflow from fans, heaters, or air conditioners.
     

  • Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.
     

  • Take regular screen breaks.
     

  • Remove makeup properly each night to prevent gland blockage.
     

  • Don’t rub your eyes—it worsens dryness and irritation.
     

Conclusion

Dry Eyes Syndrome may sound minor, but if left untreated, it can seriously affect your comfort and vision. The good news? It's manageable with a mix of home care, lifestyle changes, and medical support.

If you notice signs of Dry Eyes Syndrome: Symptoms and Solutions, don’t ignore them—get your eyes tested and treated early. Relief is closer than you think.

Read FAQs


A. Common causes include aging, screen overuse, contact lenses, dry air, medications, and medical conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome.

A. While not always “curable,” dry eyes can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, eye drops, and medical treatments.

A. Yes. Long hours on screens reduce blinking frequency, which affects natural tear production.

A. Most over-the-counter artificial tears are safe, but preservative-free versions are better for frequent use.

A. If symptoms persist or worsen despite home care, or if you experience sharp pain, see an eye specialist.

Read Blog
Virtual Cooking Class with Dietitian: A New Era of Healthy Eating in India

Virtual Cooking Class with Dietitian: A New Era of Healthy Eating in India

Healthy eating has become a top priority for individuals across India. With rising lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and PCOS, food decisions now play a critical role in preventive healthcare. However, most people struggle with questions like what to cook, how to modify recipes, and how to balance nutrition with traditional Indian meals.

Virtual cooking classes with dietitians are transforming how Indians learn about food. They combine practical kitchen skills with scientific nutrition knowledge-something traditional cooking tutorials cannot offer. SecondMedic integrates expert dietitians, AI-driven nutrition analysis and preventive health frameworks to support individuals in building lifelong healthy eating habits.

This blog explores how virtual cooking classes work, why they matter and how they support long-term health.

 

Why India Needs Dietitian-Led Cooking Classes

Rising Lifestyle Diseases

The ICMR Nutrition and Metabolic Health Study reports alarming trends:

  • Over 100 million diabetic individuals

  • High prevalence of fatty liver

  • Vitamin deficiencies in large sections of the population

  • Increasing PCOS, thyroid disorders and obesity
     

Many of these conditions are strongly influenced by diet.

Lack of Nutrition Awareness

NFHS-5 highlights low dietary diversity among Indian households. People often overconsume oil, sugar and refined grains without realising the long-term impact.

Busy Lifestyles

Urban professionals struggle to plan meals due to:

  • Time constraints

  • Lack of structured nutrition knowledge

  • Dependence on takeaways and packaged food
     

Virtual cooking sessions solve these problems by offering guided, practical learning directly from home.

 

What Happens in a Virtual Cooking Class?

A SecondMedic virtual cooking class includes:

1. Live Demonstrations

Dietitians prepare recipes step-by-step while explaining:

  • Nutrient functions

  • Health benefits

  • Cooking techniques

  • Smart portion strategies
     

2. Ingredient Education

Participants learn about:

  • Low-GI alternatives

  • High-fibre grains

  • Clean protein sources

  • Anti-inflammatory spices

  • Healthy fats
     

3. Meal Planning Guidance

Classes often include weekly planning tips to simplify daily decisions.

4. Nutrient Breakdown

AI-based tools analyse the recipe’s:

  • Sugar load

  • Sodium balance

  • Protein density

  • Vitamin & mineral profile
     

5. Condition-Specific Variations

Recipes can be adapted for:

  • Diabetes

  • PCOS

  • Thyroid health

  • Heart health

  • Weight loss
     

This ensures suitability across lifestyles.

 

Benefits of Virtual Cooking Classes

1. Practical, Hands-On Learning

Participants cook alongside the dietitian, making learning interactive and easy to remember.

2. Prevention-Focused

Unlike regular cooking tutorials, these sessions emphasise preventive eating patterns recommended by WHO and NITI Aayog.

3. Customisable for Families

Healthy recipes become household-friendly, improving community nutrition.

4. Convenient and Accessible

Join from anywhere without travel or scheduling challenges.

5. Increases Long-Term Adherence

When people understand why a recipe is healthy, they adopt it more consistently.

 

Example Recipe Taught in Class

Vegetable Khichdi (Diabetes-Friendly Version):

  • Moong dal for high protein

  • Mixed vegetables for fibre

  • Minimal ghee

  • Brown rice/millet for lower GI

  • Turmeric + cumin for anti-inflammatory benefit
     

SecondMedic’s AI engine evaluates glycaemic impact and micronutrient density.

 

Integrating Virtual Cooking With Preventive Care

SecondMedic combines cooking classes with:

  • Teleconsultations

  • Diet assessments

  • AI nutrition scores

  • Weight and glucose monitoring

  • Lifestyle coaching
     

This creates a unified ecosystem for long-term behaviour change.

 

Conclusion

Virtual cooking classes with dietitians empower individuals to transform their daily meals into preventive healthcare tools. By teaching practical skills, nutrition fundamentals and personalised recipe adjustments, these classes make healthy eating accessible, enjoyable and sustainable.

SecondMedic is redefining preventive nutrition by blending expert guidance with digital interactivity and AI insights-helping people cook better, eat smarter and live healthier.

References

• ICMR Nutrition & Metabolic Health Study - Dietary Impact on Chronic Diseases
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
• NITI Aayog - Preventive Healthcare & Nutrition Strategy for India
• WHO Healthy Eating & Non-Communicable Disease Guidelines
• Lancet Public Health - Effectiveness of Lifestyle Interventions
• Statista India Digital Health & Online Learning Trends
• EY-FICCI Digital Nutrition & Virtual Wellness Report

See all

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