4 Effective Dry Eye Remedies

Increasing age can cause hormonal changes that may affect the quality of your tears, causing them to dry up easily. Staying in a place with arid climate may also cause your tear film to evaporate. Certain conditions can also result in reduced tear production as well.

Any of these situations may result in dry eye syndrome. Your optometrist from Eyes On Norbeck shares four things you can do to maintain your visual comfort.

1. Drink Lots of Fluids and Eat Well-Balanced Meals

What you eat matters when it comes to keeping your eyes in good health. Drinking at least eight glasses of water per day is a good way to keep your eyes hydrated. We also suggest eating coldwater fish, such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. They contain high levels of omega-3 essential fatty acids, which help prevent dry eyes.

2. Keep Your Eyes Protected

Remember to use protective eyeglasses when you’re going outdoors. The lenses can block harsh, dry winds from coming into contact with your eyes, preventing dry eyes. When choosing your safety eyewear, we suggest looking for pairs with wrap-around frames to stop the wind from entering your eyes through the side.

3. Don’t Smoke

Cigarettes and cigars are not only bad for your lungs, but they also cause eye problems. They contain certain compounds that may irritate your eyes. Smoking may worsen your dry eyes and further compromise your visual health and comfort.

4. Blink and Rest Your Eyes Regularly

In this digital age, almost everyone has their eyes glued to their devices. Experts explain that staring at screens may reduce your blinking rate, increasing your risk of having dry eyes and digital eye strain. Observe the 20-20-20 rule. For every time you’ve spent 20 minutes using your device, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds. We may also prescribe digital lenses during your computer vision exam.

Most importantly, have your eyes examined by your eye doctor routinely. Doing so can help us detect any irregularities with your tear amount or quality. As we discover the reason for your dry eyes, we can provide an appropriate management program to keep your eyes in great health.

To learn more tips on battling dry eyes, give us a call at (301) 241-0553. You may also complete our form to schedule an appointment. We serve Rockville and nearby MD areas.