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If you’ve come to accept dry eyes as your “new normal,” it’s time to get clear about treatment strategies. Even if you don’t have dry eyes, these strategies can help you prevent the issue.
I was never chronically bothered by dry eyes when I was younger. When I hit my 50s, however, something changed. I didn’t have to be skiing or outside on a windy day for my eyes to annoy me. Instead, I would be doing what I’d always done — log long hours in front of screens in my career as a journalist — and my vision would get blurry. I’d struggle with it all day, often several days in a row.
Naturally, I complained to my husband, who happens to be an optometrist. His diagnosis? Dry eyes, something I’m now actively managing.
What causes dry eyes? It means you aren’t producing enough tears or you have poor tear quality. Numerous factors lead to these conditions, including — you guessed it! — growing older. “Tear production tends to decrease as you mature,” says Dr. Robert C. Layman, past president of the American Optometric Association and an optometrist in Lambertville, MI.
Other reasons for dry eyes include medical conditions like diabetes, thyroid issues, certain medications, allergies, your environment (think windy or dry conditions), long-term contact lens use or refractive eye surgery such as LASIK. For women, hormonal changes like pregnancy, oral contraceptives or menopause (the latter of which I now know well) may also be contributing factors.
Talk to your optometrist to find out what treatment options are right for your dry eyes. There are also 6 simple solutions you can try at home, including the one I now swear by.
Visual Breaks
When you’re concentrating on tasks like computer work or reading, your blink rate tends to decrease. “You don’t blink as often as you would under typical circumstances,” says Dr. Nadia Virani, vice president of operations at Kleiman Evangelista Eye Centers of Texas. The solution is simple, but of course, implementing it can be a challenge: Take breaks whenever you’re staring at a screen, reading a book or doing other lengthy visual tasks by closing your eyes for a short period and blinking repeatedly.
“This will help spread your tears evenly and release necessary oils for a healthy tear film,” says Dr. Virani. You can also follow the 20-20-20 rule, which suggests taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes and looking at something 20 feet away. Set a timer to help you remember.
Eye Masks
There’s something called a Bruder eye compress, which looks like a sleep mask. Warm the reusable compress in the microwave and place it on your eyes for five to 10 minutes. “You have oil glands called meibomian glands in your eyelids, and the heat helps open up those glands to lubricate your eyes,” says Dr. Chris Pataluch, an optometrist (and my husband) in Fort Wayne, IN, who recommends using this daily. Just note that your eyes might be blurry for a few minutes after use. That’s not unusual; it’s simply those meibomian glands releasing oil.
Tackle Environmental Issues
If your environment is triggering your dry eyes, look for ways to eliminate what you can control. For instance, if you’re sleeping with a fan on, the breeze could be drying your eyes. To remedy this, Dr. Virani recommends turning off the ceiling fan or directing your portable or tower fan away from your eyes while sleeping. Also, increase the humidity in your home and office. And wear sunglasses when you’re outdoors, which can help prevent tears from evaporating by blocking the sun and wind, adds Dr. Layman.
Eye Drops
Over-the-counter drops can supplement your natural tear production, says Dr. Layman. Look for ones without preservatives, which contain fewer eye-irritating additives. You can also ask your optometrist about prescription eye drops.
Stay Hydrated
When you’re dehydrated, your tear production can become diminished, leading to dry eyes, says Dr. Layman. Make sure you’re drinking enough water (and eating foods with high water content like fruits and vegetables). One tried-and-true test to determine if you’re hydrated is to check your urine color — if you’re hydrated, it should be pale yellow.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Remember those glands on your eyelids that produce oil to lubricate the eyes? Dr. Virani says that omega-3 fatty acids like those found in fish, nuts and olive oil help these glands function.
Don’t hesitate to see a professional if none of this helps or if dry eyes interfere with your daily life. “There’s no one-size-fits-all cure,” says Dr. Layman. “Some patients are suffering needlessly because they haven’t been diagnosed by an eye care professional.”
While I try to remember to blink more (and keep up with eye exams), the Bruder compress has become my go-to solution. The bonus? The warmth on my eyes is so soothing it feels like a DIY spa session. (I often pair it with meditation to ensure I do it daily.) More importantly, I love being able to see clearly again.
Do any of you suffer from dry eyes? How do you deal with them? Let us know in the comments below.
Verity Slade
Follow Article Topics: Health
