Dry eye is a condition where a person doesn't have enough tears to keep their eyes lubricated. This can cause discomfort and pain and make the eyes look red. If you have any problems with your vision or are experiencing dry eye symptoms, you should see an eye doctor.
There are a variety of ways to ease the symptoms, but it's important to make sure you're not doing anything too often or incorrectly. Some of these remedies include:
Blinking
Blinking is essential for our eye health because it helps to renew the tear film. This film is vital for protecting and moisturizing our eyes.
The average person blinks 15 times per minute, but this rate can drop significantly when looking at a screen. Taking the time to blink consciously will help keep your eyes healthy and prevent dryness and fatigue.
Cleaning the Eyelids
If you have dry eye, you should take extra care to clean your eyelids and the area around your eyes with mild soap or baby shampoo; this will help to reduce irritation. To clean your eyelids, close your eyes and massage the area with the cleaner. Rinse with cool or lukewarm water.
Eating Right
Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish and fish oil, may help improve the quality of the oil film that coats the eyes. This oil is produced by the meibomian glands, which are found on the edges of the eyelids.
Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial to your health in general and can help reduce inflammation associated with dry eye symptoms. Many eye doctors recommend including fish, nuts, and other omega-3-rich foods in your diet as a way to improve your dry eye symptoms. However, getting these nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements is best.
Putting Warm Compress
A warm, wet compress placed on your eyes can help your eyelids create more of the oils that are necessary for tears. This, in turn, can improve the quality of your tears and alleviate some of the symptoms of dry eye. Remember to clean your eyelids first, using the instructions above, before applying the compress.
The most important thing to remember when using a compress is to find the right temperature. It should be warm enough to be therapeutic but not so hot that it is uncomfortable. It is also important to make sure the compress is prepared in a clean and sterile environment.
You can use a wet washcloth as an eye compress or buy one specifically for this purpose. Compresses stimulate natural tear production and force you to take a break from your screen, giving your eyes a much-needed break.
Taking Breaks
Taking breaks when working on the computer is essential to avoid eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule is a recommendation from experts to help reduce stress on your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look at any object placed 20 feet away from you for 20 seconds. This allows your eyes to rest from looking at things that are close up, which can cause strain.
Using a Humidifier
Windy, smoky, or dry environments can increase tear evaporation, which in turn can contribute to dry eye. Adding moisture to the air, and keeping it clean, may help to ease dry eye symptoms.
Having a humidifier in your room can help you feel more comfortable during the dry winter months. Additionally, using an air filter and adjusting the temperature indoors can help improve dry eye symptoms.
Takeaway
Dry eye is a condition that several different things, including medications, certain medical conditions, and environmental factors, can cause. It can be a very irritating and uncomfortable condition to deal with, but there are a number of treatments that can help. If you think you might have dry eye, be sure to see your doctor so that you can get the best possible treatment.
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