By Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan

Q: I was treated for conjunctivitis recently. I also had the flu at the time. After three visits to an eye clinic, I was told that I needed no follow-up treatment until next year.

However, I still have symptoms like itching and dry eyes (despite using an over-the-counter artificial tears solution). I also feel pain in my eyes sometimes - a throbbing pain like someone has punched me in the eye.

My eyes are now very sensitive to dust and smoke and they get red very easily. I find that my vision is not as sharp as it used to be. My eyes tire after only one or two hours at the computer. I also get headaches after that. What should I do?

A: Your current symptoms are the result of dry eyes which occur as a sequel to viral conjunctivitis. Typically these symptoms persist for a few months due to temporary disruption of tear production.

After losing some of its protective tear layer, the eye's surface is susceptible to harsh conditions such as smoke, dust and air-conditioning. Activities like computer work, reading or watching TV stress the already weakened eye surface.

The usual symptoms and signs would be tiredness of the eyes, burning, a gritty sensation, intermittent blurring of vision and redness. In such circumstances, modifying your activities may help.

If you wear contact lenses, stop doing so for the time being. Non-preservative artificial tears are very useful but rarely used correctly. These should be applied liberally as and when required - before and during periods when the eyes are in use.

The cornea may also erode slightly with dryness, giving rise to blurred vision and a throbbing pain in the eyes or pain in the form of headaches.

Should the symptoms persist, a visit to your eye doctor may be needed. This is to exclude complications from inflammation or other infections.

Dr Wang Jenn Chyuan is a consultant in the department of ophthalmology at the National University Hospital.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Dec 25, 2008.