Dry eye syndrome, or dry eye disease (DES), is a common condition that affects many people. If you have dry eyes, it means that your tears aren’t able to keep your eyes moist and comfortable. In this blog post we’ll discuss some tips for managing symptoms.
Warm Compresses
Warm compresses are a great way to soothe dry eyes. To use one, fill a small bowl with warm water and soak a washcloth or towel in it until it’s nice and warm. Then dab the cloth over your closed eyelids for about 5 minutes at a time–you’ll likely need to repeat this process several times throughout the day if you want to see results.
Soaking your face can also help reduce inflammation caused by dry eye syndrome since it increases blood flow and circulation around the eyes, which helps reduce swelling and redness (1).
Increase Your Water Intake
The first thing you can do is increase your water intake, says Dr David Stager. Water helps with dry eyes because it keeps the eye’s surface moist, which prevents the buildup of tears that causes irritation. In addition to helping keep your eyes healthy, drinking eight glasses of water every day will also help keep you hydrated overall and prevent other problems such as headaches or constipation.
Use A Humidifier
One of the best ways to combat dry eyes is by keeping moisture in your eyes. A humidifier can do just that! If you don’t already have one, it’s time to invest in one. You can purchase a small tabletop model for $20-30 or go with the big guns and get an entire room humidifier (which will set you back about $200).
The best part about using a humidifier is that it adds moisture throughout the whole room–not just where you’re sitting or sleeping at night–so everyone benefits from its use. The only downside is that it may take some getting used to having water vapor wafting through your home or office space all day long. But once people get used to seeing their breath when they talk? They’ll wonder how they ever lived without this miracle machine!
Don’t Smoke
Smoking is a big contributor to dry eye. According to Dr David Stager study he found that smokers produced less tears and had more corneal damage than non-smokers, which can lead to a condition called “smoker’s keratitis.”
Smokers are also more likely to have other eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma, so if you’re dealing with dry eyes, it might be time for some lifestyle changes–and quitting smoking should be at the top of your list!
Wear Sunglasses Outdoors During The Day
Wearing sunglasses outdoors during the day, especially when it’s sunny, can help prevent dry eyes. Sunglasses should block out 100% of UV rays and be comfortable and fit well. They should not be tinted too darkly or have mirrored lenses because then you won’t be able to see clearly through them when looking at objects close up (e.g., reading).
