Dry Eye Prevention Tips

Dry Eye Prevention Tips

Dry Eye Prevention Tips

Dry Eye Prevention Tips

Dry, scratchy eyes are a common problem that will likely affect all of us at one point or another during our lifetime. They can occur for a variety of reasons – some of which we can control, and others which we can’t. Unfortunately, the symptoms of dry eye can be irritating and inconvenient, having a significant effect on your day to day life. The symptoms include stinging, scratchy and dry-feeling eyes, redness, sensitivity to light, blurred vision and more. Some patients may also experience excessive watering, which is their body’s way of trying to counteract the dryness.

 

Although dry eyes are extremely common, there are things that you can do to prevent experiencing this condition. Here are our top tips for the prevention of dry eyes.

 

Take regular focus breaks

Spending long periods of time focusing on tasks that require heavy concentration can cause you to blink less. If this happens, your eyes will naturally become drier and less lubricated, causing some of the symptoms associated with dry eyes. Taking regular breaks from activities such as using a computer, tablet or smartphone, reading, or doing another task that requires visual concentration can help. During this break, close your eyes for a few minutes or do some rapid blinking to encourage the moisture to spread over your eyes.

 

Be mindful of the position of your computer

If you use a computer on a regular basis, think about the position that it is in. If it is sat too high and above your eye level, you’ll naturally open your eyes wider to use it. By positioning at or slightly below eye level, your eyes won’t be as stretched which could slow down how quickly the tear film evaporates from your eyes.

 

Avoid air blowing at your face

From car heaters and hairdryers to fans and air conditioners, there are many things that can blow air directly onto our faces. Unsurprisingly, this is one of the key things which can cause moisture to evaporate from your eyes quickly and lead to drying symptoms. If you need to use these things, position your face away from the direct flow of air.

 

Be aware of your environment

There are certain environments that are more likely to cause your eyes to dry out. These include being at high altitudes, and in environments that are dry, dusty, and windy. If you suffer from dry eyes, avoid these if you can, but if that is impossible, take precautions ahead of time, such as using artificial tears or wearing glasses/sunglasses to try and keep your eyes as lubricated as possible.

 

Invest in a humidifier

If you suffer from chronic dry eyes, you may wish to consider investing in a humidifier which will add moisture to the air and could help alleviate your symptoms. Many people who work in offices are now choosing this piece of equipment to make the environment more pleasant for everyone.

 

Quit smoking

Smoking is not only bad for your health, but it is also bad for your eyes. The smoke can cause irritation, soreness, and dryness that can make using your eyes more difficult and uncomfortable.

 

Use artificial tears

Artificial tears are eye drops that are widely available at most drugstores and even supermarkets. They are designed to lubricate dry eyes and help maintain moisture on the outer surface of the eyes. There are various types available, although they tend to fall into two categories: with preservatives and preservative-free. Preservative-free artificial tears are typically recommended for those patients who apply them more than three or four times each day as well as for patients who wear contact lenses.


 

 

For more advice on dry eye prevention tips, please call our offices today at (323) 651-5646.



Date Posted: February 25, 2020​​​​​​​
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