Dry Eye
Dry eye is a common and often chronic problem, particularly in older adults. It is an eye condition caused by a chronic lack of sufficient lubrication and moisture on the surface of the eye. Consequences of dry eyes range from subtle to severe. They can lead to constant eye irritation, significant inflammation, and even scarring of the front surface of the eye.
Seven Tips for Battling Dry Eye
Living with dry eye can be a challenge, but the following tips are simple things you can do to help relieve some of the symptoms of dry eye.
1.Use artificial tears. Artificial tears are available without a prescription. There are many brands on the market, so you may want to try several to find the one you like best. Use them as often as you wish, but if you find yourself using them more than once every two hours, preservative-free brands may be better for you. Lubricating gels can also help, but because they are thicker and blur your vision, you will probably want to apply them at bedtime.
2. Avoid too much air movement. Fans, wind, and hair dryers can make your eyes even drier, so you should limit your exposure to them. If you are going to be outside on a windy day, wear a pair of wraparound sunglasses to reduce the chance of wind blowing directly into your eyes.
3. Use a humidifier in the winter. Heating your home in the winter often dries the air out, so use a humidifier to add some moisture back into the air. Don’t have a humidifier? A pan of water on your radiator is a good substitute.
4. Give your eyes a rest. If reading or watching television makes your eyes feel dry, make sure you take frequent breaks. Giving your eyes a rest and blinking more frequently will allow your eyes to regain some of the moisture that they’ve lost.
5. Avoid cigarette smoke. There are already a lot of good reasons not to smoke or be exposed to second-hand smoke, but cigarette smoke can irritate dry eyes. Smoking can also increase your risk of developing dry eye in the first place.
6. Use warm compresses and wash your eyelids. Putting warm compresses on your eyes and then gently washing your eyelids with baby shampoo can help release the oil in your eyelids’ glands, thus improving the quality of your tears. Make sure you rinse all of the soap away from your eyes when you are finished.
7. Consider an omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Some people may find relief from dry eye by supplementing their diet with omega-3 fatty acids, which are found naturally in foods like oily fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies) and flax seeds. Ask your ophthalmologist if you should take supplements of omega-3 fatty acids and, if so, in what form and dosage.
Schedule a Consultation
Dry eye is a chronic condition that affects many people, so knowing how to manage it can be a positive step. Eye doctors have many ways to help alleviate dry eye symptoms, so if you are bothered by dry eye, contact us to set up an appointment today.
