When your eyes do not produce enough tears, they can become very dry, itchy, red and sensitive to light. Several things can cause dry eyes including dry air, older age and certain medications. Although there is not a cure for dry eyes, they can be managed. Here are five helpful tips for dealing with dry eyes.
Use a Humidifier
If the air in your home is dry, it can affect your eyes. An easy way to fix this problem is to put a humidifier in your room. A humidifier will add some moisture to the air, which will help alleviate your dry eyes. Do not forget to clean your humidifier at least a couple times a week to keep the bacteria away.
Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids are not just good for your heart and immune system; they can also benefit your eyes. If you include 3 grams of omega-3 fatty acids in your daily diet, you can manage your dry eyes. Some of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids include tuna, salmon, scallops and trout.
Stay Away from Cigarette Smoke
You probably already know that being exposed to second-hand smoke can hurt your lungs. Are you also aware that it can harm your eyes? The harmful chemicals in cigarettes can really irritate your eyes and dry them out. If you see someone smoking, try to leave the area.
Try Artificial Tears
If dry eyes are a constant problem for you, try using artificial tears. These tears can bring back moisture to your eyes, helping them feel a lot better. If you have to apply artificial tears a few times a day, you should use ones that are free from preservatives.
Take a Break from the Computer Screen
Staring at the computer screen all day can tire out your eyes and dry them out. If you have to use a computer for your profession, you should at least take a break every 20 minutes or so. If you give your eyes a break and blink a few times, they will regain a lot of moisture.
Following these helpful tips will help you manage your dry eyes. However, if your eyes are still dry and irritated all the time, you should make an appointment with an eye doctor at Mid-America Vision Center or a similar location. Your eye doctor can determine if an underlying condition is making your eyes dry or not.
Share7 October 2014
