12 Important Tips for Taking Care of Your Dry Eyes
Healthy eyes create tears every time, every day to stay lubricated. But sometimes some conditions make your eyes make fewer tears. Dry eye is a condition that occurs when you fail to maintain a layer of tears to coat your ice or eyes or when they are unable to create sufficient tears. With time, it results in damage to the eye surface and swelling. Dry eyes can be chronic or temporary. It depends upon the underlying cause.
Symptoms of Dry Eyes Syndrome
Below are the common symptoms of dry eye syndrome:
- Blurry vision while reading.
- Irritation or redness in eyes. It is mainly when you are near the person smoking cigarettes or in a windy area.
- A problem in wearing contact lenses.
- Eye stress.
- Burning or stinging in the eyes.
- Plenty of tears in the eyes (watery eyes).
- Thin mucus in or around the eyes.
- Feeling that there is something in your eyes.
- Sensitivity to light.
- Problem with night driving.
If the signs of dry eyes stay for a long time and you need a consultation for dry eye treatment, contact our Cass ST optometrist immediately at Eye MD Monterey – Cass St.
Important Tips to Care for Dry Eyes
Here we are mentioning some expert tips to tackle your dry eyes syndrome effectively:
1. Try Warm Compress
Put a warm compress on the eyes and rinse the eyelids using baby shampoo. It helps in relieving oil in the eyelid glands and enhances the tear quality.
2. Stop Smoking
Smoking regularly can make your dry eye symptoms worse. So, make sure you stop it immediately. You can take the help of the eye doctor near you for creating a solid strategy that suits you. We even advise you to maintain some distance from the smokers even if you don’t.
3. Place Your Computer Screen Below Eye Level
Doing this will not open your eyes widely. This helps in reducing the evaporation of tears between eye blinks.
4. Switch on the Humidifier in Winters
Stay away from warm rooms. Heating systems in your homes can make the air inside dry out, resulting in dry eyes. But switching on the humidifier makes the indoor air moist. You can also place a pan filled with water close to your radiator or heater.
5. Take Regular Eye Breaks
It is essential to have eye breaks if you are reading or doing any other long task that needs visual concentration. The best way is to shut down your eyes for some time or blink your eyes constantly for a few seconds. It will help spread your tears over the eyes uniformly and help you regain some of the moisture.
6. Wear Quality Sunglasses While You Step Out
Wear sunglasses outdoors with wrap-around frames or other protective eyewear. They help in decreasing exposure to the sun and drying winds. You can also add safety shields to the sides and tops of eyeglasses. Ask about these shields where you purchase your eyeglasses.
7. Stay Well Hydrated
Drink lots of water (8-10 glasses) every day. It will help you avoid dehydration in the body.
8. Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet
Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They include salmon, tuna, flax seeds, etc. Consult your ophthalmologist about how to add them to your diet to get relief from dry eyes. You can even buy omega-3 fatty acids supplements in pill or liquid form.
9. Do Not Blow Air in Your Eyes
Avoid directing car heaters, fans, hairdryers, or air conditioners towards your eyes.
10. Use Artificial Tears on a Routine Basis
If you wake up in the morning with dry eyes, use thick eye drops or artificial tear ointment before sleeping. It will keep your eyes well-lubricated and happy.
11. Avoid Going into an Environment That is Drier Than Normal
Be aware of environments like areas at high altitudes, deserts, or airplanes.
Because they can be extremely dry and make your eyes dry out. It’s best to close your eyes frequently for a few minutes to reduce tear evaporation.
12. Do Not Visit Areas with a Plenty of Air MovementÂ
You must also avoid going to places having a lot of air movement. It means avoiding restricting your exposure to hairdryers and fans. This will prevent your eyes from drying out.
Visit an Eye Clinic Near You
If you are looking for a consultation for dry eye treatment in Monterey, CA, then call us or book an appointment to our eye clinic today.