Battling Dry Eyes: 7 Tips for Everyday Comfort
Dry eyes can be more than just a nuisance — they can significantly impact your daily life and overall comfort. Whether it’s due to prolonged screen time, environmental factors, or underlying health issues, finding relief is essential. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we’re here to help you understand the causes of dry eyes and provide effective solutions to keep your eyes comfortable and healthy. Here’s how you can battle dry eyes with simple, everyday strategies.
What Causes Dry Eyes?
Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can result from a variety of factors, including:
- Prolonged screen time causes us to blink less, leading to less tear production.
- Environmental factors like wind, smoke, or dry air cause natural tears to evaporate faster.
- Tear production decreases with age.
- Certain medications, like antihistamines, beta-blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants, can contribute to dry eyes.
- Health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjogren’s syndrome affect tear production.
- Prolonged use of contact lenses can exacerbate dry eyes.
- Eye surgery, including LASIK, can sometimes lead to dry eyes.
What are Other Symptoms of Dry Eye?
Besides the obvious sensation of the eyes feeling dry, there are a few other symptoms to be aware of, including:
- Stinging or burning sensation in the eyes
- Redness and irritation
- A feeling of having something in your eye (foreign body sensation)
- Blurred vision, especially after reading or using a computer
- Sensitivity to light
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
7 Simple Tips for Dry Eyes
1. Blink Regularly
When using computers or digital devices, we tend to blink less frequently. Make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep your eyes moist. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
2. Use Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide immediate relief by lubricating your eyes. Use them as needed throughout the day, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of a screen or in dry environments. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends preservative-free artificial tears if you use them more than six times a day to avoid irritation.
3. Humidify Your Space
Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in dry indoor environments. This can help maintain the humidity level around you, preventing your tears from drying too quickly. Additionally, consider keeping windows closed on windy days to keep indoor air from becoming too dry.
4. Protect Your Eyes
Wear sunglasses on windy days and during outdoor activities to protect your eyes from wind and debris. Sunglasses with wraparound frames provide the best protection by shielding your eyes from multiple angles. If you’re spending time near water or snow, polarized lenses can reduce glare, further protecting your eyes.
5. Follow a Healthy Diet
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, may help improve tear quality. Additionally, AREDS supplements, a specific mix of vitamins and minerals (vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein and zeaxanthin), can help promote eye health.
6. Use a Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to your eyes can help open up the oil glands on the eyelids, improving the quality of your tears. Use a warm, damp cloth and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes.
7. Practice Good Eyelid Hygiene
Keep your eyelids clean to prevent blockages in the oil glands. Gently wash your eyelids with a mild cleanser or baby shampoo diluted with water.
Treatment Options
If over-the-counter treatments and lifestyle adjustments don’t provide sufficient relief, it’s important to seek professional help. At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, we offer treatments for dry eyes, including prescription eye drops.
Schedule a Consultation
At Cascade Eye & Skin Centers, our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists can help diagnose the underlying causes of your dry eyes and recommend a personalized treatment plan. Don’t let dry eyes disrupt your life — schedule an appointment with us today and take the first step toward lasting relief and everyday comfort.
