3 Tips To Recover From Dry Eye Symptoms
Dry eye can leave you feeling fatigued, irritated, and even in pain. If there’s anything that people suffering from dry eye syndrome have in common, it’s that they want it to stop.
Recovering from dry eye isn’t always fast, but it is possible. Here are some easy ways to manage your symptoms.
1. Eye Drops
Eye drops are a great way to manage your dry eye symptoms. Eye drops provide temporary relief from itchiness and redness.
They also give your eyes a much-needed barrier against potential infection. Using eye drops is a much better alternative to rubbing your eyes.
By rubbing your eyes, you actually cause more damage to your eyes. You’re much more likely to get an infection as well.
Proper eye drop application is also a must. Rather than squeezing the liquid directly into your eye, it is safer to use the following method:
- Remove the cap of the eye drop bottle without touching the tip of the applicator.
- Using your offhand index finger, pull down on the lower lid of the eye you are treating.
- Aim the applicator into the pocket created in the bottom of your eye, rather than into the eye itself.
- Gently squeeze a single drop of liquid into the pocket.
- Blink and roll your eyes for several seconds, allowing the fluid to work its way through your eye.
- Repeat as necessary, but do not overflow your eyes with liquid. Excess liquid could collect bacteria from the edges of your eyes and flush it inwards.
- Use a clean paper towel to dab at the edges of your eye if spilling does occur.
2. Healthy Habits
Changing certain habits may help to promote healthy tear production.
Quitting smoking has large health benefits to every aspect of your life, and dry eye is no exception. Besides causing problems, the smoke from cigarettes can irritate your eyes.
Adding nutrient-rich foods to your diet can have a positive effect on your vision. Omega-3 fatty acids are very important to tear production. Eat more fatty fish like salmon or tuna or seeds to get enough in your diet.
Adequate tear production requires you to be well-hydrated. It is no surprise that drinking enough water is important for fighting dry eye syndrome.
Frequent computer use is unavoidable in today’s society. Limiting your screen time as much as possible is good for your eyes.
When looking at screens, we tend to forget to blink as often as we need to. This causes our eyes to lack enough lubrication.
Try to set reminders for yourself to take breaks from the computer, even it’s only for a few seconds at a time.
3. Tools
You can change your environment to better prevent dry eye occurring. Purchasing humidifiers will help increase the amount of moisture in your rooms.
This prevents your eyes from drying out as fast. Strong air filters will collect airborne particles in your home. These include particles like dust, pollen, and pet dander, which can cause irritation. If all else fails and you need treatment for your dry eye, contact the Pinke Eye Center in Shelton, CT to schedule an appointment! We can help you find the root cause of your dry eye and get the relief you’re looking for!
