Eyes function best when they are well-lubricated. Tears usually work to coat their surface, keep them moisturized, and deliver key nutrients to the cornea. In some cases, tear production can be disrupted by hormones, allergies, diabetes, inflammation, and environmental factors. The result is often dry, itchy, watery, or irritated eyes. These symptoms are usually brief, but chronic dry eye can severely affect one’s quality of life. Fortunately, you can easily prevent symptoms and avoid invasive treatment for dry eyes. The following are our top suggestions to do just that.

Causes of Dry Eyes

Understanding the root cause of a symptom is the first step in preventing it. Many things can cause dry eyes, from smoke and vitamin A deficiency to autoimmune conditions like Sjogren’s syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. Also, activities which tend to reduce blinking, like reading, driving, or using a smartphone can quickly dry out one’s eyes. Lasting symptoms may indicate an underlying condition, so contact your physician if they don’t improve over time. 

Dry Eye Prevention Tips

We’ve all heard the saying, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The same is true for dry eyes, as the severity of symptoms is often related to the environment. Dry eye treatment and prevention is a process of elimination starting with the simplest solutions first. 

1. Take Breaks Often

Long periods of intense focus can easily cause dry, irritated eyes. This is common when viewing an electronic device, for example. Regular blinking is vital for good eye health, so try to consciously blink at least every few seconds. Follow the 20/20/20 Rule: look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes to give your eyes a moment to rest. This will also help to prevent headaches associated with eye strain. Get up, stretch, take a quick walk, or grab a healthy snack from another room. Once you return to the task at hand, you may even see a boost in productivity. 

2. Improve Air Quality

It may come as no surprise that air quality affects one’s eye health. Chronic dry eyes can be attributed to long-term exposure to smoke, dust, and dry indoor air. Reduce or quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke whenever possible. Check your furnace filter, replace it as advised, and use a humidifier to add moisture to rooms. This is especially helpful in desert climates and high-altitude regions. Also, avoid blowing air directly into your eyes with fans, vents, or hair dryers. If you cannot control the room’s air quality, try closing your eyes briefly every few minutes. 

3. Supplement Your Diet

Overall health will influence the condition of one’s eyes. For instance, reactions to toxins and allergens often contribute to dry eye symptoms. Thus, reducing inflammation may aid in the prevention of dry eyes. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such walnuts, almonds, flax seeds, and fish have been known to reduce inflammation. Try including some of these in your diet, or opt for a high-quality fish oil supplement. Also, vitamin A is essential for the production of tears, and research has shown that supplements can improve the quality of one’s tears. 

4. Change Contact Lenses 

Those who wear contacts are prone to dry eyes, believe it or not. Lenses can trap pollen and dust for days, holding them directly up against one’s eyes. If your contact lenses are causing irritation, try alternating them with glasses to give your eyes a break. Don’t disregard your cleaning regimen, and never use disposable lenses for longer than instructed. Make sure to use the appropriate cleaning solution and consult your physician if you continue to experience discomfort. 

5. Apply Artificial Tears

If your symptoms persist despite your best efforts, it may be worth considering some quality eye drops. Many over-the-counter artificial tears can make a world of difference for those with dry eyes, but beware generic store brands. Avoid any product which contains preservatives or claims to help with redness. Discuss with your optometrist to determine the best solution for your unique needs.

Nobody should have to live with dry, itchy eyes. Whether you experience the occasional symptom or chronic discomfort, prevention is often the best long-term solution. For more information about dry eyes, we hope you’ll reach out today. We look forward to helping you manage your symptoms however we can.