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Novartis promotes awareness on Dry Eye Syndrome, a common condition among Internet users.
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Dry Eye Syndrome occurs when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes.
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Systane Ultra brand ambassadors are Janina Manipol and Joy Mendoza.
Do you know that moment when you feel like there is something wrong with your eyes? And your mom tells you, “Ayan, kakainternet mo kasi.” Well, she may be right.
Dry Eye Syndrome (DES) is a common condition among internet users. The reason for the rapid rise in the number of cases of this condition over the years is thought to be prolonged visual display terminal (VDT) exposure because of increased computer use.
VDT exposure is also becoming common in the general population because of the widespread and heavy use of Internet-based mobile technology and portable information terminals such as smartphones and tablets among all age groups.
According to Cornea and External Eye Disease Specialist, Dr. Richard L. Nepomuceno, using a digital device people tend to blink their eyes less. Dr. Nepomuceno also claimed that DES is often under diagnosed condition and it can be sight threatening. He also said that women are more likely to experience DES because of the estrogen in their hormones. Although, it doesn’t have a cure we can control it by lubricating the eyes with Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops.
“When we work at a computer or use our smartphone or other portable digital device, we tend to blink our eyes less frequently. This leads to greater tear evaporation and increased risk of DES (Dry Eye Syndrome).”
Believe it or not, Filipinos spend more time on the Interner rather than people in any of the other 29 countries in Asia Pacific, the Middle East, North America and Europe. “Digital in 2017 Global Overview” reported these statistics.
Produced by global advertising agency, We Are Social and social media platform, Hootsuite. According to the said report, an average Filipino Internet user spends 9 hours online each day, with mobile internet access accounting for more than three and a half of those hours.
The President and Managing Director of Novartis Healthcare Philippines, Ms. Cheryl Maley explains that spending too much time online has also its drawbacks. Ms. Maley shared her experience with DES affecting parts of her life. She now carries heavy briefcases for her work since her eyes are always exhausted on using her laptop. She said she wanted to share her experience on this syndrome particularly for younger generations. So that we could recognize it earlier and diagnose it quickly.
“It is a welcome development that more Filipinos now have Internet access. Digital connectivity brings many socio-economic benefits such as improved communication, knowledge dissemination, and economic opportunities, among others. However, spending too much time online also has its drawbacks.”
Ms. Maley and Dr. Nepomuceno spoke during a media briefing held by Novartis Healthcare Philippines to promote awareness on DES and highlight Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops. Novartis eye care division Alcon developed the formula. Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops are clinically proven to deliver extended protection and high-performance dry eye symptom relief that lasts.
Also present at the media briefing hosted by Bea Benedicto, held on November 8 at the Ludo BoardGame Bar and Bistro in Makati City were filmmaker and model, Janina Manipol and homeschool teacher and mommy blogger, Joy Mendoza. The two Systane Ultra brand ambassadors shared their personal experiences on eye care during their busy scheduled lifestyles.
Joy Mendoza, a homeschooling mom, has five kids, does a lot of writing for her blog and prepare for some talk presentations. She never realized that she already has a dry eye. Mendoza was surprised to know that even though she doesn’t have vision problems, she doesn’t have an eye problem. Mendoza even laughed and shared that she harassed Dr. Nepomuceno for lots and lots of questions.
Janina Manipol, exposed to a lot of screen time, shared that she edits for hours and has social media duties. She spends a lot of time on her computer and on her phone. Although, she never realized that she had to have a 20-second break when doing her everyday works.
DES is a common condition that occurs when your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for you eyes. Tears can be inadequate for many reasons. For example, dry eyes may occur if you don’t produce enough tears or if you produce poor-quality tears.
DES signs and symptoms, usually affect both eyes, includes stinging, burning, scratchy sensations in the eyes. Also includes stringy mucus in/around the eyes, sensitivity to light, eye redness, sensation of having something in your eyes. It also includes difficulty on wearing contact lenses, difficulty in nighttime driving, watery eyes, blurred vision and/or eye fatigue.
“20-20-20 rule” is recommended to help prevent DES among individuals who spend long hours online. Look away from the digital device screen for 20 minutes, focus on an object 20 feet away and look at it for at least 20 seconds. Or just simply look away from the screen for 20 minutes and close your eyes for a brief 20-second rest.
Dr. Nepomuceno recommends the use of artificial tears such as Systane Ultra Lubricating Eyedrops. The said eyedrops will help lubricate the eyes and maintaon moisturr on the outer surface of the eyes.
Systane Ultra is available in all leading drugstores nationwide. For more information about Systane Ultra, visit the Novartis Healthcare Philippines official website, novartis.com.ph or on Facebook via Facebook.com/SystanePH or @systaneph on Instagram.
