Dry eyes are often characterized by discomfort, redness, blurred vision, eye fatigue, sensitivity to light, and sometimes a burning or sandy sensation. The condition may be due to reduced production of tears or poor quality of tears that fail to lubricate the surface of eyes effectively. Although dry eyes is not a major health problem, prolonged dry eyes may cause complications such as chronic eye infections, scarring of the eye surface, eye inflammation and reduced quality of life. But why let dry eyes become a perennial problem? Eye-care practitioners agree that there are a number of effective ways to control dry eyes.

Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes, you can easily banish dry eyes by changing certain lifestyle habits. Dry, hot or windy conditions can exacerbate dry eyes. To combat the dry environment, consider using a humidifier. Wearing wraparound glasses or protective goggles may also prevent eyes from drying in harsh and arid conditions.

Certain medications, notably allergy and cold medications can significantly dry out eyes or worsen existing dry-eye condition. Talk to your doctor about reducing or limiting use.

Do you spend long hours on the computer? Or do you work with tasks that require concentration? Such activities may cause you to blink less often, which in turn can reduce moisture on your eye surface. Make a conscious effort to look away from the task at hand and allow your eyes to relax and blink. Eye doctors suggest looking up every 10 to 15 minutes.

Foods inevitably play an important part in promoting eye health. Taking foods rich in fatty acids (omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids) help to reduce eye inflammation. These foods include various coldwater fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna and mackerel and vegetable oils such as olive oil, flaxseed oil and soybean oil.

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for part 2!