Living with chronic dry eye can really have a negative impact on things most of us take for granted like reading a book, watching TV, working on a computer, or driving a car. Dry eye symptoms caused by the eyes not producing or retaining tears properly can be debilitating for some people, causing redness, burning, itching, blurry vision, excessive tearing and more. Let’s look at some of the ways to help you manage the symptoms of dry eye and get back to enjoying life’s pleasures.
Causes of Dry Eye
First, let’s look at some of the causes of dry eye or factors that can make the condition worse. These include:
- Certain medications
- Caffeine and alcohol
- Improper nutrition or hydration
- Not blinking enough during tasks that require concentration
- Irritants such as smoke, wearing contacts for long periods, eye make-up
- Environmental factors like wind, dry air, bright sunlight
- Allergens including pet dander, pollen, and pollutants
Try to lessen the impact of these factors by avoiding smoke, alcohol, and caffeine, wearing sunglasses, taking breaks at work, etc. Here are some other tips to manage dry eye.
Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water during the day to keep your body hydrated and help increase tear production. You may also want to add moisture to the air via a humidifier, especially if you live or work in a dry environment.
Use Artificial Tears
Artificial tears can lessen the symptoms of dry eye, make your eyes feel more comfortable, and protect the surface of your eyes from damage. There are a wide range of artificial tear formulations available, so talk to your eye doctor as to what type might be best for you.
Increase Your Omega-3 Intake
Omega-3s are fatty acids that support the oil production that help comprise your tears. Be sure to get a diet rich in Omega-3s by eating fatty fish, seeds, and nuts, or consider taking a supplement.
Try Warm Compresses
Warm compresses are a proven way to help relieve the symptoms of mild to moderate dry eye. The gentle heat from the compresses can unclog oil glands along your lashes for more even and efficient tear production.
Talk to Your Eye Doctor
Finally, if dry eye is keeping you from enjoying your everyday life, talk to one of our dry eye experts. At Tyson Eye we have doctors available who specialize in dry eye syndrome who will help to determine what kind of dry eye you have, as well as a number of effective treatment options, from prescription drops to punctal occlusion.
Come See Us!
Think you might have dry eye? Book an appointment to visit our expert eye doctors at Tyson Eye.
Tyson Eye is regarded as one of the premier eye care centers in Southwest Florida. Our surgeons and doctors have helped thousands of people enjoy better vision and have consistently introduced break-through technology to the area. We are committed to excellence by delivering modern technology with old fashioned concern.
We’re here to help you see better! Call us at 239-542-2020 today or request an appointment.
