I have dry eyes.
ok-ki SEK-ki — double 'k' sound. 'Secchi' = dry (plural of secco).
Report dry eye symptoms to an optician or ophthalmologist. Very common, especially with screen use and contact lens wear.
'Occhi secchi' = dry eyes. 'Sindrome dell'occhio secco' = dry eye syndrome (medical). Symptoms: burning ('bruciore'), grittiness ('sensazione di sabbia negli occhi'), redness ('arrossamento'), blurred vision. Causes: screen time, air conditioning, contact lens overuse, medications (antihistamines, antidepressants). Treatment: 'lacrime artificiali' (artificial tears) — many types available OTC.
Gli occhi mi bruciano dopo molte ore al computer.
My eyes burn after many hours at the computer.
Digital eye strain — use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 min, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
Ho una sensazione di sabbia negli occhi.
I have a feeling of sand in my eyes.
Gritty sensation — classic dry eye symptom ('sensazione di corpo estraneo')
Le lacrime artificiali aiutano per gli occhi secchi?
Do artificial tears help for dry eyes?
Yes — preservative-free ('senza conservanti') drops are best for frequent use
Dry eye syndrome ('sindrome dell'occhio secco') affects about 30% of Italian adults over 40. Italian ophthalmologists use the Schirmer test and tear break-up time measurement ('TBUT') for diagnosis. 'Lacrime artificiali' in Italy range from simple eye drops ('collirio') to gels ('gel oftalmico') and sprays ('spray per occhi'). Omega-3 supplements are recommended by Italian ophthalmologists to improve tear quality. Meibomian gland dysfunction ('disfunzione delle ghiandole di Meibomio') — treated with warm compresses — is the most common underlying cause.