Is there a way to prevent dry eyes?
- Posted on: Oct 15 2020
If you’ve felt a stinging or burning or other bothersome sensation in your eyes, you may be dealing with dry eye disease. It’s a common condition with a variety of treatments depending on the severity of the condition. But is there a way to prevent dry eyes? Here are eight suggestions on preventing or reducing symptoms:
- Use a humidifier. A humidifier adds moisture to dry indoor air, which is especially essential in winter months.
- Avoid direct air. Don’t allow direct air to hit your eyes as it dries out your eyes. This includes air conditioners, fans, hair dryers and car heaters
- Give your eyes a break. The strain on your eyes from reading or looking at a computer screen can strain your eyes. You don’t blink as much when you’re concentrating. Take breaks and close your eyes for a few minutes. Or you can take blink breaks periodically and blink your eyes repeatedly to help the tears spread evenly over your eyes.
- Wear protective sunglasses. Wearing sunglasses protects your eyes in many ways and can shield your eyes from wind and dry air.
- Don’t smoke. Smoking negatively impacts your health and is linked to several medical conditions and illnesses. Talk to your doctor about a smoking cessation program that may work for you. Also avoid being around people who smoke when they smoke as the smoke can worsen dry eye symptoms.
- Keep your computer screen below eye level. When your computer screen is above eye level, it causes your eyes to open wider to view the screen. Placing it lower can help slow the evaporation of your tears since your eyes don’t open as wide.
- Beware already dry air. The air in airplanes, for example, can be extremely dry. You can help minimize the evaporation of tears by closing your eyes for a few minutes at a time.
- Use over-the-counter eye drops. Get in the habit of using artificial tears regularly to keep them hydrated, even if your eyes feel OK.
Dry eye disease can lead to eye infections and damage the surface of your eyes. If you believe you have dry eyes and want to get lasting relief while protecting the health of your eyes, call (440) 286-1188 to schedule an appointment.
Posted in: Dry Or Itchy Eyes