Explore practical tips to prevent dry eyes, like avoiding irritants, using lubricating drops, taking omega-3 supplements, and adjusting your environment for lasting relief.
Have your eyes been feeling a little gritty lately? Like there’s sand stuck in ’em? It’s the worst, isn’t it? We’re gonna talk about easy things you can do, every day, that can make a big difference. Stick around, we’ll explore this further!
- Ways to Prevent Dry Eye
- Avoid Exposure to Irritants
- Use Lubricating Eye Drops
- Take Omega-3 Supplements
- Avoid Using Contact Lenses
- Ensure That the Surrounding Environment Is Not the Cause of Dry Eye
- Consider the Side Effects of Certain Medications
- Massaging the Eyes in a Healthy Way
- Causes of Dry Eye
Ways to Prevent Dry Eye
There’s a bunch of simple, everyday things you can do to prevent that dry eye feeling. We’ve noticed…
1. Avoid Exposure to Irritants
With all the tech we’re using these days, most of our work involves staring at screens. And that, right there, can be a big reason our eyes feel dry. Looking at something close up, like a phone or computer, can make you blink less. That said, it puts a strain on your eyes. Think about it, do you blink more staring at your phone, or when chatting with someone across the room?
Doctors and eye experts recommend these tips:
- Avoid sitting directly in front of a fan or heater for too long.
- Take a break for a minute every hour from looking at screens. Experts recommend taking a break every 20 minutes and looking at something far away for about 20 seconds.
2. Use Lubricating Eye Drops
Using lubricating eye drops can really help! They’re like a fresh drink of water for your eyes. And keeping your eyes nice and moist is super important.
You should pick eye drops that don’t have preservatives, which can actually irritate your eyes more in the long run. It’s also a good idea to use these drops regularly, like a few times a day.
3. Take Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3s are great for your overall health, and it turns out they’re pretty good for your eyes, too. Omega-3 or fish oil supplements can help lower inflammation throughout your body, and that includes eye inflammation.
Inflammation in the eyes can cause dryness. That’s why getting enough Omega-3s is key. You can get ’em from foods like fish, nuts, and plant-based oils, or from supplements.
4. Avoid Using Contact Lenses
One way to prevent dry eyes is to cut back on wearing contact lenses. Sometimes, contacts can be a reason for dry eyes.
If you need to wear contacts all day or for work reasons, consider taking them out every so often to give your eyes a break. Plus, it helps to avoid sleeping in them, even though it’s tempting! Also, make sure you’re cleaning them properly. We’ve noticed some people get lazy with that.
Now, you might be thinking, “Okay, I got the basics. But what about some extra things I can do?”. We’re glad you asked! Let’s talk about how adjusting your workstation, using humidifiers, and proper eyelid hygiene can also play a role in keeping those peepers happy.
5. Ensure That the Surrounding Environment Is Not the Cause of Dry Eye
Living or working in dry places can make things worse, especially in the winter. Using a humidifier can really help. It adds moisture to the air, which can make a big difference for your eyes.
So, do what you can to avoid dry air, and your eyes will thank you!
6. Consider the Side Effects of Certain Medications
Some medications can cause dryness, so one way to prevent dry eyes is to switch those meds after talking with your doctor. Some examples of this are:
- Some types of birth control.
- Certain drugs that stimulate blood circulation
- Some antihistamines used to treat allergies, because they contribute to drying out the mucous membranes, and therefore may increase the chances of developing dry eyes.
7. Massaging the Eyes in a Healthy Way
One way to avoid dry eyes is by gently massaging them, like this:
- Rub your hands together to warm them up, then place the palm of your right hand on your left eye and the palm of your left hand on your right eye, placing your fingers on top of each other.
- Take a deep breath while trying to cover both eyes tightly with your hands, keeping them closed tightly.
- Use your thumbs to massage the eyebrow area.
Doing these simple movements helps to relieve the eyes.
Causes of Dry Eye
Knowing the causes of dry eyes is a big step in figuring out the best way to prevent it. The causes include:
- Allergies
- Weather conditions
- Exposure to smoke and pollution
Also, there are some medical conditions that can contribute to the problem, such as getting older, some eye diseases, and pregnancy.
Key takeaways
- Staying away from direct airflow like fans or heaters.
- Taking Omega-3 or fish oil supplements can help lower inflammation in the body, including the eyes.
- Consider preservative-free lubricating eye drops.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Are dry eyes always caused by not blinking enough?
While reduced blinking (often from screen time) is a big factor, dry eyes can also result from other things like age, environment, or certain medical conditions.
Are eye drops habit-forming?
No, lubricating eye drops are not habit-forming. You can use them as often as needed for relief without worry.
Is it safe to use any eye drop I find at the store?
It’s generally safe to use over-the-counter lubricating eye drops. That said, if you’re unsure, talk to your eye doctor to pick the best option for you.
I struggled with dry eyes for years, especially during allergy season. Adjusting my workstation and using a humidifier made a huge difference.
I was constantly reaching for eye drops until I started taking Omega-3 supplements. Now, I barely need them!
My eye doctor recommended preservative-free eye drops, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement. I wish I knew about this sooner!
So, thinking back to feeling like there’s sand in my eyes, I’m gonna focus on taking more breaks from my screen today. It really is the little things that add up to a big difference!
