[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Autumn is a season with frequent outdoor activities, making the eyes more susceptible to diseases due to exposure to dry winds and ultraviolet rays. The sleep specialist brand Project Sleep shares common eye diseases in autumn and how to prevent them.
Photokeratitis
Photokeratitis occurs when the cornea is burned by ultraviolet rays. It is often thought to be a condition that only occurs in summer when UV rays are strong, but during summer, the high solar altitude allows the upper eyebrows and eyelids to naturally block UV rays by creating shade.
From September, the solar altitude lowers, increasing direct UV exposure to the eyes and raising the risk of photokeratitis. Symptoms do not appear immediately after the burn, but over time, blurred vision, eye stinging, and redness occur. If symptoms worsen, it can lead to cataracts, so it is important to use sunglasses or parasols in advance.
Allergic Conjunctivitis
Not only spring pollen but also pollen from mugwort, ragweed, and mile-a-minute weed in autumn cause allergic conjunctivitis. Yellow dust and fine dust that come every autumn are also allergens threatening eye health. When affected by allergic conjunctivitis, tears flow frequently, eyes become itchy and red, and eyelids swell.
To prevent allergic conjunctivitis, frequent indoor ventilation and cleaning are necessary to block allergens. Using artificial tears regularly to remove foreign substances is also a good method. It is better to avoid contact lenses that can trap foreign substances, and if wearing them is unavoidable, hands and lenses should be thoroughly cleaned.
Dry Eye Syndrome
Autumn has large temperature differences and low humidity, causing tears that protect the eyes to evaporate quickly. As a result, many people complain of foreign body sensation like sand in the eyes, eye stinging, and fatigue, symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
To prevent dry eye syndrome, it is important to promote the secretion of oil from the meibomian glands, which creates an environment that prevents tears from evaporating. Regular warm compresses melt hardened oil in the meibomian glands, removing blockages and debris, restoring their original function.
Project Sleep’s 'Double-sided Eye Mask' is suitable for those looking for a warm thermal sleep mask that protects eye warmth even on cool autumn nights. The Chenille microfiber fabric retains heat, keeping the eye area warm throughout the night, and its generous size covering the face minimizes light and noise, aiding deep sleep.
In addition to the Chenille fabric side that can be used as a thermal mask, the double-layer design includes a TRC (Temperature Responsive Capsule) fabric side that provides a cool sensation to reduce eye swelling, making it comfortable to wear not only in autumn and winter but also in summer without feeling hot.
A Project Sleep representative said, "It is easy to get excited by clear weather, but health should always be the top priority," adding, "We hope everyone takes care to avoid eye diseases and enjoys a joyful and healthy autumn."
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