6 Helpful Tips to Prevent Dry Eye Symptoms

It can be overwhelming living through the symptoms of dry eye. But the Dry Eye Foundation confirms that it is possible to prevent these symptoms. Maintaining helpful practices can keep dry eye discomfort at bay. Here are six helpful tips that can prevent dry eye symptoms from occurring. 

1. Improve Your Sleeping Habits

Enough quality sleep can improve your eye and general health. Studies show that other health issues can also improve with proper sleep. Eyes can receive more nutrients at night if you get enough hours of restful sleep. You can use warming devices for your eyes while you sleep to increase blood circulation. That way, your eyes can recover and rejuvenate well.

2. Have Less Screen Time

Rubbing your eyes often comes naturally after using your digital devices for hours. You tend to blink less when you use your devices. This makes your tear film evaporate faster. Take breaks often so that your eyes can rest and replenish their tears. Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. 

3. Protect Your Eyes From the Wind

If you are passing through a windy area, wear wraparound sunglasses. This reduces the amount of wind that gets into your eyes. Your tears then do not dry out right away. Indoors, try to stay away from the path of air conditioners, fans, and hair dryers. 

4. Improve Your Diet

Talk to your eye doctor first before you decide to try new supplements or change your diet for your eye health. Research reveals some supplements can improve the absorption of coenzyme Q10. Taking more foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids can help your body produce better tears. This can then improve your dry eye symptoms. 

Your eyes need proper hydration just like the rest of your body. Drinking more water can help your organ systems and senses function better. Studies show that drinking eight to 10 glasses of water each day is ideal. Doing so can also reduce your dry eye symptoms.

Alcohol tends to dehydrate the body. It also has the same effect on your eyes. Research shows that when your eyes do not have the right hydration, they have difficulty producing tears. Dehydration makes it challenging for your body to digest well. This makes nutrient absorption difficult as well. Nutrient deficiency can have a negative impact on your eye health. That is why avoiding too much alcohol is necessary.

5. Use a Humidifier

You may have dry air circulating indoors. This can trigger or worsen your dry eye symptoms. Having a humidifier in your space can add more moisture to the air. It can protect your tear film and prevent it from drying up. A good humidifier can help make your cold months more comfortable.

6. Place Your Computer Screen Below Your Eye Level

Screens at eye level tend to make you open your eyes more. This then makes your tears evaporate faster. Your dry eye symptoms can worsen because of this. Place your computer screen at a lower level. This prevents you from opening your eyes too much. Your eyes can then get some rest from your dry eye symptoms. 
 

Preventing dry eye symptoms allows you to function and feel better. At Refined Eyecare Optometry, we only provide high-quality eye care products and services. Please visit our clinic in Torrance, California, for an in-person consultation. Call 310-214-0409 to set an appointment or inquire about our dry eye treatment packages.