What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage My Dry Eyes?

For those with dry eye, it can cause annoying symptoms, such as itchy, red eyes, blurred vision, and more. At West County Ophthalmology, we recommend making certain lifestyle adjustments, in addition to treatment, to help improve symptoms of dry eye. Adjustments like improving your diet, staying hydrated, and protecting your eyes from environmental irritants can all help manage your dry eye problems. With the right lifestyle changes, living with dry eye can become more manageable, allowing you to maintain comfort and eye health. For more information, contact our office in Chesterfield, MO to schedule an appointment.

What is dry eye?

Dry eye is a condition that occurs when your eyes don't produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms such as dryness, irritation, redness, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Dry eye problems can also cause blurry vision and discomfort, particularly after prolonged use of screens or exposure to windy environments. Managing dry eye requires addressing the root causes, whether they stem from environmental factors, aging, or underlying health conditions, to provide long-term relief and improve overall eye comfort. At West County Ophthalmology, we can help you get down to the root cause of your dry eye and manage symptoms.

What lifestyle changes can help dry eye?

Making simple lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the symptoms of dry eye and improve overall eye comfort. By focusing on habits that support tear production and protect your eyes from irritants, you can better manage your dry eye problems. We encourage our Chesterfield, MO patients to incorporate the following changes into their daily routines:

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support tear production
• Include omega-3-rich foods like salmon and walnuts in your diet to improve tear quality
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule to reduce eye strain from prolonged screen time
• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and prevent tears from evaporating quickly
• Wear sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors to shield your eyes from wind and UV rays

How does hydration affect dry eye?

Staying hydrated is crucial for managing dry eye. When your body lacks proper hydration, tear production decreases, leading to dry eye problems. Drinking plenty of water daily can help ensure your eyes stay moist and comfortable, which is a key part of any effective dry eye treatment.

Can your diet improve dry eye symptoms?

Your diet plays an essential role in dry eye management. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, help improve the quality of your tears and reduce inflammation, which can ease dry eye problems. Adding a variety of fruits and vegetables to your diet can also provide essential nutrients like vitamin A, which supports overall eye health.

How can screen time worsen dry eye?

Prolonged screen time is a common cause of dry eye problems, as it reduces the frequency of blinking. This leads to faster tear evaporation, which worsens dryness. Following the 20-20-20 rule — looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes — can help ease the strain on your eyes. Adjusting your screen's brightness and ensuring proper lighting can also contribute to more comfortable screen usage while living with dry eye.

What environmental factors should be avoided?

Certain environments can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Exposure to wind, smoke, and air conditioning can cause tears to evaporate more quickly. To combat this, using a humidifier indoors and wearing protective eyewear, such as sunglasses, can shield your eyes from these irritants. These steps are simple yet effective parts of any dry eye treatment plan.

Manage dry eye in Chesterfield, MO

If you're struggling with dry eye symptoms, it's time to take action. By incorporating these lifestyle changes and seeking professional advice, you can significantly improve your eye health and comfort. Contact West County Ophthalmology today to schedule an appointment and explore personalized dry eye treatment options that can work for you. Let us help you find relief and restore your quality of life.