BANGALORE: Dry and itchy eyes are one of the most common reasons for people to visit ophthalmologists, according to doctors. This is common in Bangalore where youth need to wear contact lenses and stare at computer screens for long hours while working under fluorescent lighting.

K. Ravi, ophthalmologist, said in two years, more than 30 per cent of his patients complained of dry and itchy eyes.

The reason for this is that people do not blink often enough when they are working in front of the computer. "The blink factor is much less. But no one notices," he says.

Dr. Ravi said it is important for people who spend long hours in front of the computer to take their eyes off the screen once in a while, rest them and blink.

Often the condition worsens when people sit in dry air-conditioned rooms. People who sit directly in front of air-conditioned ducts or below a fan experience dry eyes, said Dr. Arun Sampranthi of Narayana Nethralaya.

Apart from constant computer viewing, many persons who wear contact lenses experience dry eyes. "The contact lenses absorb the tear film and form a protein layer that irritates the cornea," he said. He suggested that contact lens wearers should stick to a regular routine of cleaning these lenses. "Because of high pollution levels and dry atmosphere, the protein builds up soon." The lenses can cause irritation and force the wearer to remove them.

Dr. Ravi said allergies cause itchy eyes. Very often people who are allergic to dust develop dry eyes, he said. Wearing sunglasses while out on the roads helps.

Dr. Sampranthi said blinking often and staying away from dusty areas reduces itchiness. He recommends the use of artificial teardrops. "Teardrops that do not have preservatives are safe to use and can be used for extended time." One needs to consult a doctor before using any eye drops.

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