7 Tips If Your Eyes Are Dry
Do you notice that your eyes often feel uncomfortable in specific environments? Do your eyes seem more irritated while you’re working?
These are common symptoms that you may be developing dry eye. Even if your eyes are dry, the good news is there are things you can do about it! Keep reading for 7 tips if your eyes are dry!
What is Dry Eye?
Dry eye is a condition that occurs if you aren’t producing enough tears or the tears you produce are low-quality. When you have dry eyes, it can feel like there is a stinging or burning sensation in your eyes.
Even certain environments can cause dry eye. You should avoid places like sitting under an air conditioner or a heater, as this may dry out your eyes.
Another thing that can make your eyes dry is spending too much time looking at screens. This may seem harmless, but looking at screens decreases the amount you blink. Understanding the ways to prevent and treat dry eye is key to keeping your eyes comfortable.
1. Don’t Overwear Contacts
If you wear contacts and your eyes feel dry, take a break from wearing them. Contacts can dry out your eyes, giving you dry eyes, or making your dry eye symptoms worse.
Taking a break can help your eyes breathe and regain moisture. Don’t wear contact lenses for longer than eight hours at a time, as this will tire your eyes out.
2. Hydrate
Staying hydrated is an easy way to keep your eyes from drying out. Your body needs water to operate at an optimal level, so don’t forget to drink it throughout the day!
If your eyes already feel dry, this is a sign that you should be drinking more water. Try to drink at least 8 eight-ounce glasses of water every day.
3. Keep Your Eyes Moist
If your eyes feel physically dry, you should have artificial tears or eye drops on you. This is an easy way to keep your eyes moist, no matter what time of year.
Ask your eye doctor what brand they recommend for the best results. You can use eye drops anytime your eyes feel dry or tired throughout the day for a quick pick me up!
4. Use Humidifiers
If you live in a dry climate or sit near a strong air conditioner or heater, a humidifier will be your best friend. Humidifiers put moisture back into the air.
The added moisture in the air will help keep your eyes from becoming dry due to the environment. Put one in the room that you spend the most time in, like your bedroom or living room.
5. Stay Away From Fans and Heaters
Spending long periods of time near a heater or fan blowing close to where you are can give you dry eye. If you can, try moving or angling it away from you.
If you know that your eyes have a tendency to get dry, do your best to stay away from fires. They may make your eyes drier.
6. Reduce Your Screen Time
Screens are a necessary evil but it doesn’t mean you can’t control how much you use them. You need to take periodic breaks whenever you know you’ll be in front of a screen.
If you have to, set an alarm that reminds you to blink while you look at screens.
7. Don’t Rub Your Eyes
It’s tempting if your eyes are dry but don’t rub them. It won’t make your eyes feel better. In fact, you’ll probably irritate them even more!
If you need instant relief, use eye drops or artificial tears instead. This is much safer and better for your eyes.
Can’t find the relief you need for your dry eye symptoms? Schedule an appointment at Complete EyeCare West in Columbus, Ohio where one of our ophthalmologists can help you come up with a treatment plan! Don’t live with dry, itchy eyes any longer!
