Dry eye disease is a prevalent health condition. It usually happens when the tears in the eyes fail to offer proper lubrication to the eyes. This instability and inadequacy of the tears may be for several different reasons. For instance, if your eyes do not produce enough tears or the tears’ quality is not good, you may experience dry eyes. This instability in tears can become the cause of damage or inflammation in the eyes.
It goes without saying, when you have dry eyes, you will feel uncomfortable. It may even sting or burn at times. Usually, people experience dry eyes in situations, such as looking at the computer screen for hours together, in an airplane, when riding a bike, or in an air-conditioned room. With the proper treatment, you will feel more comfortable. Dry eyes can be cured with lifestyle (at times, environmental) changes and eye drops. Here, we will address some tips to relieve you from dry eye symptoms.
Add fatty acids to your diet.
Some studies prove that consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids can relieve dry eye symptoms. It is good fat and is known to lower inflammation in the body. Further, Omega-3 fatty acids can also relieve dry eyes by lowering eye inflammation. It facilitates better quality tears, followed by higher tear production. You can either use the Omega-3 supplements or consume the foods rich in them.
Some of the foods that you can add to your diet are:
- chia seeds
- soybean oil
- walnuts
- fatty fish, such as mackerel, sardines, tuna, and salmon
- Palm oil
- Flaxseed oil
- Ground flaxseeds
- Eggs supplemented with
Wash your eyelids and eyelashes
‘Whenever you wash your face, you must also pay close attention to your eyelashes and eyelids to prevent dry eye syndrome,’ advises Xavier, an educator who offers the best cybersecurity courses online.
Make sure you thoroughly wash it with baby shampoo and warm water. You can even use a preservative-free eyelid cleanser and gently clean your lower and upper eyelids. Further, pay closer attention to areas with facial creams or makeup that may break into your tear film and irritate your eyes.
Following this, use a warm, damp towel or mask as a compress. It can help you regain the lost moisture.
Blink More
‘If you use your computer screen for long hours, it can lower your blinks per minute, and when you blink less, you experience dry eye syndrome. Thus, it is recommended to consciously make it a habit of blinking when you are online for long,’ comments Steffy, an educator who offers Matlab homework help services.
Experts suggest following a twenty-twenty rule. It implies that for twenty minutes you spend looking at the screen, you should close your eyes for twenty minutes. Another incredible way to keep the eyes moist when looking at the computer screen is by setting the screen below eye level. You will not have to open your eyes wide open to look at the screen in this case. This can lower the process of tear evaporation in between two blinks.
Guard your eyes
You must make it a point to avoid windy or dry environments or guard your eyes with quality eyewear, such as wraparound sunglasses, especially when you are traveling outdoors. Further, invest in a humidifier. This can add requisite moisture to the air in your office or home.
Check the medicines you consume
‘I was continually experiencing dry eye syndrome, and when I spoke to my doctor, he told me that it was because of the BP control medication that I take,’ shares Steve, an educator who offers online python assignment help services.
In addition to beta-blockers, there is an array of other medicines, too, which may be responsible for dry eyes. These include decongestants, antihistamines, antidepressants, such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants. So, speak to your doctor, and find out about the available alternatives.
Try drops or ointments.
There are a couple of non-prescription products for dry eyes, which can offer immediate relief. Artificial tears, eye drops can bring temporary relief. Bear in mind there are a few eye drops, which have preservatives in them. They come from the multidose vials and have preservatives to avoid bacterial growth after the vial is open. If your eyes do not react well to the preservative-containing drops, or if you use the eye drops over four times a week, you need to pick preservative-free drops. These are available in single-dose vials. In texture, the ointments are thicker than the drops. They are, thus, designed to coat the eyeballs and offer longer-term relief from dry eyes.
Moira, an online ap chemistry tutor, says, ‘Anytime I experience dry eyes, I prefer ointments over eye drops, as they have a more profound impact. However, while you apply them, they impair your vision. Thus, it is recommended to use them right before bedtime.
Lower your alcohol consumption
Consuming higher quantities of alcohol can be dehydrating. This affects your eyes and leads to dry eye syndrome. Hence, it is advised to lower your alcohol intake, or if possible, eliminate it completely, and check if that is the reason for your dry eyes.
Quit smoking
Cigarette smoke has over seven grand chemicals. These irritate your eyes and put you at risk of suffering from dry eyes. Studies suggest that smokers have two times the risk of developing dry eyes over others.
Further, smoking also disturbs your tear composition, which can aggravate the susceptibility to developing dry eye syndrome. Hence, your eye health and smoking do not go hand in hand. Thus, smokers should consider quitting, and others must keep away from environments with high smoke exposure.