Self-care Tips for Treating Dry Eyes

Self-care Tips for

Treating Dry Eyes Dr. Robert J. Winn

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Does your vision get blurry sometimes?

Are y our e yes f requ ently irrita ted a nd re d?

You may not think it's a big deal; however, if you suffer from dry eyes, here are some facts that may make you reconsider.

Your cornea relies on tears rather than blood vessels to supply the nutrients and oxygen it requires.

Did you know that your cornea has no actual blood vessels?

Tears also serve to keep your eyes clear of dust and germs which is essential for optimal vision.

The result of dry eye can be damage to the cornea and in severe cases it can even lead to permanent vision loss

SO HOW CAN YOU BEST CARE FOR YOUR DRY EYES?

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS:

Wear Sunglasses Sunglasses can help block your eyes from the sun and wind, particularly the wraparound style. Shades can slow the rate of tear evaporation.

Reposition Vents When you ride in the car, reposition your air conditioner and heater vents away from your face so that your eyes don’t dry out as quickly.

Use Artificial Tears

You can find artificial tears over the counter at your local pharmacy. They come in several different forms such as gels, ointments, and drops. It’s a good idea to select a brand that is free of preservatives, particularly if you find yourself using them multiple times a day.

Use a Humidifier Humidifiers add moisture to the air. They are helpful in decreasing the evaporation of tears, particularly during the winter months when indoor heating can sap all the moisture from the air in your home.

Limit

Screen Time

Blinking helps to lubricate the eyes, but we tend to blink less when we’re staring at a computer screen or reading. It’s important to look away occasionally, blink more often, and take breaks if you’ve been working on the computer or reading for an extended period of time.

Avoid Smoke & Other Irritants Cigarette smoke can cause further tear evaporation and irritation of the eye, so it’s best to avoid it whenever possible.

Consume Omega-3 Fatty Acids Eating foods rich in Omega-3s can help improve the quality of tears produced and reduce inflammation. Flaxseeds, soybeans, canola oil, and walnuts are good sources of these healthy fats. They are also found in abundance in oily fish such as salmon, lake trout, albacore tuna, herring, and sardines. You might also consider asking your doctor if omega-3 supplements would help.

Discuss with Your Doctor While these tips may help to reduce the discomfort of dry eyes, you should consult your physician or eye care professional if they don’t help or you experience chronic dry eyes. There are medications they may be able to prescribe to help your condition.

Thanks for Reading

For more by Dr. Robert J. Winn, please visit: www.https://drrobertjwinn.com/