10 Tips for Beating Dry Eyes

Dry eye, also known as ocular surface disease, is a condition that people identify with the lack of adequate eye lubrication. The condition can result from different factors, including extreme weather. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to combat eye dryness. Here are 10 tips that can help.

Using Artificial Tears

Using artificial tears or eye drops is a good way to keep your eyes moisturized. The eye drops can be used three to four times a day to keep the eyes well lubricated. Talk to your eye doctor about the best eye drop brand for your condition.

Improve Your Diet

Improve the quality of your tear film and the oil glands by following a healthy diet. Regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids can help improve your eye health. Increase your intake of foods such as spinach, salmon, soybeans, eggs, and walnuts. You can also take fish oil supplements. However, the type of fish oil supplement is important to ensure the best absorption and purity.

Stay Well Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is important for your physical health and for the health of your eyes. Water helps keep the body and eyes moisturized, which is essential, especially in dry weather. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water each day.

Humidity in the Home

Your furnace may be keeping you warm and toasty, but it is also drying the air in your home. Adding humidity to your home is one of the easiest ways to beat dry eyes. Investing in a humidifier will add moisture into the dry indoor air.

Resting Your Eyes

Most people experience dry eyes due to prolonged use of the computer or performing other tasks like reading. Take frequent breaks and follow the 20-20-20 rule when using digital devices. This means every 20 minutes, look at an object that is at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Your Eye Makeup

How often do you replace your eye makeup and brushes? To beat dry eyes, replace your makeup and make sure that you wash your brushes frequently. This will help prevent the buildup of bacteria that can clog the oil glands, causing dryness. Remove your makeup before you sleep.

Using Warm Compresses

A heated eye mask over the eyes can help soothe the eyes while also stimulating the oil glands. Using the mask once or twice a day for 15 minutes will help to keep the tear film healthy. In office procedures using heat in combination with manual oil gland expression is also very helpful to relieve symptoms and keep the glands from atrophying.

Wearing Eye Protection

Wearing protective sunglasses every time you go out will help prevent dry eyes. You can protect your eyes from cold air and wind by choosing 100 percent UVA/UVB protective glasses. Make sure that you keep your face away from heat vents when driving. The hot air will dry your eyes.

Your Contact Lenses

If you wear contacts, it is helpful to take a break during the dry months or simply reduce your wearing time during the day. Wear glasses as an alternative to contacts since they tend to make the dry eye condition worse. Always avoid sleeping with your contact lenses. You can talk to your eye doctor about special lenses for your eye condition.

Eye Checkup

Schedule an appointment to get your eyes checked. This is the best way to ensure that your eyes remain healthy.

To ensure that you treat dry eyes and to make your eyes more comfortable, visit Perceptions Eye Health & Wellness at our office in Southport, North Carolina. You can call (910) 400-1215 today to schedule an appointment.