Dry eye syndrome happens when there is not enough lubrication to moisten the surface of your eye. You may experience burning, itching, aching and eye fatigue. This condition can also affect your vision, causing light sensitivity and blurriness. What can you do to care for dry eyes?
- Adjust Your Diet – Some people get dry eye relief by adding omega-3 fatty acids to their diet. Flax oil works as well as eating more fatty fish like salmon or tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids help glands produce the oil in tears that slows evaporation.
- Use Heat to Open Oil Glands – Apply a warm washcloth to reduce lid inflammation and open up clogged oil glands.
- Reduce Screen Time – Use the 20/20/20 rule when looking at any screen. That means take a 20 second break to look at an object that is 20 feet away every 20 minutes.
- Add Moisture to Your Environment – A dry environment can also dry out eyes. Use a humidifier to introduce more moisture into the areas you spend the most time.
- Keep Eyes Shaded in Sunlight – Bright sunlight will increase dryness. Consider wearing sunglasses, especially wraparound styles. Look for a pair that offers adequate UV protection.
- Use Artificial Tears – Artificial tears can be used to soothe dry eyes. Some brands offer thicker gel or ointments that may work better if the regular drops are not enough.
- Get a Prescription Medication – Visit your ophthalmologist to examine your dry eyes. They may recommend a prescription medication like cyclosporine or lifitegrast drops.
Schedule an appointment with Grosinger, Spigelman and Grey Michigan’s Leading Eye Care Physicians in Bloomfield Hills to address the cause of your dry eyes. We can provide sound advice that will help you get the relief you need.