Medical Articles
Dry Eye
20.09.2026
Dry eye is actually a fairly common complaint in Malaysia. Although outdoor humidity is generally high, the humidity inside office buildings can drop significantly because air conditioning is often running throughout the day. Spending long periods using a computer or smartphone, or reading, can also reduce the frequency of blinking. As a result, the eyes remain open for longer, tears evaporate more quickly, and dry eye can develop. In addition, the increase in working from home and the greater frequency of online meetings in recent years may also be contributing to increased eye strain.
As the name suggests, dryness of the eyes is one of the main symptoms of dry eye. Blinking acts like a windshield wiper, spreading tears evenly across the surface of the eye. When we blink less frequently, our eyes are naturally more likely to become dry. We typically blink around 16 times per minute when we are relaxed, such as during a conversation, but this can decrease to around six times per minute when looking at a computer screen. This reduced blinking can increase tear evaporation and contribute to dry eye.
There are several different types and causes of dry eye. When we think of tears, we often imagine them as simply water, but tears are actually made up of three layers: water, oil, and mucus. If the oily layer, which helps prevent tears from evaporating, is insufficient, simply adding more moisture may not provide enough relief. In such cases, addressing the lack of oil can be an important part of improving dry eye symptoms.
Artificial tears and other eye drops can be effective ways to relieve dry eye symptoms. It can also be helpful to warm the eyelids several times a day with a warm towel, a warm shower, or a heated eye mask to encourage oil secretion from the meibomian glands in the eyelids. During work, try to blink consciously and take regular breaks by looking into the distance to give your eyes a chance to rest.
Author Bio
Dr. Vivien
Medical Director/Family Medicine Specialist
After completing medical school in Moscow, Dr. Vivien gained clinical experience at a general hospital in Penang, Malaysia. She later served as a full-time physician at Batu Gajah Hospital in Perak and at a clinic in Selangor.
Since 2018, she has been with Hibari Clinic, where she currently serves as Medical Director and is dedicated to providing care for the local community. She has a strong interest in pediatrics and psychosomatic medicine, and values patient-centered care that respects each individual’s needs.