3 Effective Ways to Relieve Dry Eyes

If you wake up in the morning feeling like your eyes have spent the night in the desert, or your eyes are itchy, dry, red and irritated all day long, you may have dry eye syndrome (DES). DES is super-common, yet many people either ignore it or put up with the condition, not realizing there are steps they can take to lessen their symptoms.

What Causes Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes result from not having enough tears, or tears that can't adequately hydrate the eyes. In most cases, DES is caused by a malfunction of the meibomian glands, located at the edges of the eyelids. If the glands become blocked, the lipid part of the tears has a hard time entering the tear film. Without enough oil, tears can evaporate too quickly, drying out the eyes.

Dry eye syndrome can also be caused or worsened by arid weather, wind, air conditioning, heating, excessive screen time, certain medications, some medical conditions, and the natural aging process.

3 Effective Ways to Relieve Dry Eyes

1. Limit Your Screen Time

People blink much less often when looking at a computer or phone screen. The less we blink, the drier our eyes become. If you must spend time on digital devices, make a conscious effort to blink more often and to take frequent breaks to rest your eyes.

2. Eat Healthy and Hydrate

Your organs need moisture to function, and your eyes are no exception. Aim to drink adequate water throughout the day. Consume foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. Leafy greens and fruits are also important for eye health.

3. Control Your Environment

Add moisture to dry indoor air with a humidifier, which should be routinely cleaned to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold. When outdoors, consider wearing wraparound sunglasses to prevent dry air and wind from affecting your tear film. Warm compresses placed on your closed eyelids can also help soothe your eyes.

Schedule an Eye Exam with Your Eye Doctor!

These tips are not a substitute for seeing your eye doctor, who can determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and recommend the best treatment. Contact St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville today. Call (740) 695-0444.