Dry Eye Syndrome Self-Care to Feel More in Control
Medically reviewed by Andrew Greenberg, MDMedically reviewed by Andrew Greenberg, MDYou need a plan to manage dry eye syndrome. The good news is that you can make simple modifications and may be able to rely on natural remedies. Self-care for dry eye syndrome includes daily use of drops, consuming certain foods and supplements, and other changes.Some steps include modifying digital habits, using daily drops and moisturizers, changing your environment, and more.
GOLFX / Getty Images
Dry Eye Self-Care RoutineDry eye care often begins at home, with things ranging from changes in habits to over-the-counter (OTC) products. You may wish to start with some of the following approaches.Daily Drops and MoisturizersWith dry eye syndrome, you do not produce enough tears, or the tears are of poor quality and evaporate too quickly. Lubricating eye drops, known as artificial tears, are available over the counter. Artificial tears have much the same composition as natural tears.In cases of more severe dry eye syndrome, you may need thicker gels or ointments to prevent moisture from evaporating from the surface. Talk with an eye doctor (such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist) about which drops or moisturizers are best for your condition and how often to use them.Apply a Warm CompressA warm compress can help the oil glands around the eyes release oil to help keep the eye moisturized. Cleaning your eyelashes regularly may also help.Digital HabitsAnother source of your dry eye woes could be your digital habits. When you're engaged in screen time, you blink less, which can cause the surface of your eyes to dry out more. But if you're aware of this, you can combat it by doing the following:Blink often—this helps keep tears on the surface of your eye. When looking at screens, people blink only five to seven times per minute, while usually, it's around 15 times.Look away from the screen periodically.Keep your eyes moist with artificial tears at the ready and a good humidifier in the room where you work.Give your eyes a break from contact lenses, which can dry out your eyes. Instead, try not to wear them too long, and don a pair of glasses while at the computer.Keep your computer screen below eye level. This way, your eyelids will cover more of the eye's surface and keep tears from evaporating as quickly.Changes in Your EnvironmentLittle changes in everyday life may help you to combat dry eye. The following measures may make a differenceTry not to sit too close to an air-conditioner or fan.Stay out of direct wind, or wear wrap-around glasses when you must be in the wind.Use a humidifier to keep the air around you moist when possible.Avoid very warm rooms.Do not smoke; avoid secondhand smoke and other forms of smoke.Diets and SupplementsWhat you eat and drink may also play a role in dry eye care, but it's essential to look closely at current evidence. Fish oil supplements with omega-3 fatty acids were previously thought to help alleviate dry eyes, but the American Academy of Ophthalmology says research has shown otherwise.It has also not been proven that a diet rich in omega-3 impacts dry eye syndrome. However, salmon, tuna, herring, cod liver, and sardines provide substantial omega-3 and are part of a healthy diet.Drink enough water and other fluids to prevent dehydration, which may worsen dry eye symptoms.
Handling Dry Eye FrustrationsBeyond the physical, dry eye disease can take its toll on your emotions. The extra day-to-day steps and debilitating symptoms can leave you feeling drained and exasperated. Here are some ways to release this frustration:Practice relaxation.Get psychological support for any depression you may be experiencing.Ask about antidepressant medication or antianxiety medication to help.
How a Specialist Fits Into Self-CareWhile you may make simple changes to control your dry eye, these measures may not be enough. You may need to see an eye specialist (ophthalmologist or optometrist) who can diagnose and address your dry eye needs.An eye specialist can prescribe more effective drops than those available over the counter. They may prescribe anti-inflammatory drops such as Restasis or Cequa (cyclosporine), or Xiidra (lifitegrast), which can help you produce the tears you need more easily.Or, they may prescribe a steroid drop, Eysuvis (loteprednol), to reduce inflammation. Because of potential side effects, this can only be used for two weeks at a time and may be prescribed in conjunction with one of the other drops.Tyrvaya (varenicline solution) nasal spray stimulates the production of tears, oils, and mucin. It is easy to use and can avoid some of the burning and stinging that may come with instilling eye drops.Another approach a provider may take is to put tiny plugs in the inner corners of your eyes to help keep your tears on the surface rather than draining away. Such plugs may last for just a few months before dissolving, or they may remain in place for several years.Your eye care provider may also prescribe special, large custom contacts for dry eyes that reach the eye's white part, known as the sclera. These lenses keep saline fluid against the corneal surface while keeping dust and debris at bay.
"Dry Eye Syndrome" vs. "Dry Eye Disease"You may hear your dry eye condition referred to by various terms, including dry eye syndrome, dry eye disease, and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. These are all the same thing. They refer to a condition in which the eye either fails to make enough tears or the tears are of poor quality. The result is burning, itching, and irritated eyes, affecting quality of life.
Balancing Medication Side EffectsThe medication you take to reduce dry eye can bring great relief. Unfortunately, it may also produce side effects at times. With Restasis, for example, you may experience burning and stinging. As well, while taking Xiidra, about 25% of people may have to deal with an unusual taste and, at times, irritation.Steroids can increase eye pressure and cause conditions like glaucoma (chronic high pressure in the eye) and cataracts (clouding of the lens), delayed wound healing, and heightened risk of infection.If one medication is causing debilitating side effects, your ophthalmologist may recommend switching you to something else you will tolerate better.SummarySelf-care is a must for anyone with dry eye syndrome. This may involve changing habits or the home, work, or school environment. It may also mean relying on over-the-counter products or those an eye specialist prescribes. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
Welcome to Billionaire Club Co LLC, your gateway to a brand-new social media experience! Sign up today and dive into over 10,000 fresh daily articles and videos curated just for your enjoyment. Enjoy the ad free experience, unlimited content interactions, and get that coveted blue check verification—all for just $1 a month!
Account Frozen
Your account is frozen. You can still view content but cannot interact with it.
Please go to your settings to update your account status.
Open Profile Settings