If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of dry eye, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. There is no cure for dry eye, but you and your doctor can work together to develop a treatment plan for dry eye relief.
Below, you'll find some basic lifestyle changes that may help soothe or prevent some symptoms of dry eye.
- Blink more often
- Rest your eyes
- Treat underlying conditions
- Avoid "red eye" drops
- Eat more fish
- Adapt to harsh environments
- Stay hydrated
- Use SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops
Remember that these are only suggestions, and that you should discuss all treatment options with your eye doctor first.
Blink more often
When focusing on a visual task, be it reading, driving or using a computer, people tend to blink significantly less than normal, depriving the eyes of refreshed tear film. Making a conscious effort to blink more often, approximately every 10 seconds or so, can provide some dry eye relief.
Rest your eyes
In the same vein, if you've been focusing too long on a visual task, and your eyes feel tired and uncomfortable, taking a short break to rest them can help stave off symptoms of dry eye. Closing your eyes for a few minutes, putting on a warm compress - these small steps can make a big difference. Just be sure to avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can actually make symptoms worse.
Treat underlying conditions
Dry eye is often the result of other underlying eye disorders or medical issues. By resolving these disorders, you may find dry eye relief in the process. Your eye doctor or family physician can help diagnose these conditions and develop treatment options. If you know of any preexisting conditions, let your doctor know ahead of time.
Additionally, inform the doctor about any medications you're taking, both prescription and over-the-counter. If a medication is responsible for dry eye, you and your healthcare provider willl have to decide if the benefits of the medication outweigh the side effect of dry eye. Switching the type or dosage may help with the symptoms, but never change or discontinue medications without talking to your doctor first.
Finally, if you wear contact lenses, let your eye doctor know, as they may want to switch you to a different type of lens or have you wear your lenses for shorter stretches of time.
Avoid "red eye" drops
Certain brands of eye drops can temporary remove the redness from your eyes, but don't always relieve the other symptoms of dry eye. On top of that, you may develop a tolerance to these drops, so that they become less effective, creating a "rebound effect" where your eyes actually get redder once the drops wear off.
SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops has been clinically proven to provide dry eye relief, by reducing both the signs (what the eye doctor can measure) and symptoms (what you feel and experience) of dry eye.
Eat more fish
Studies have shown that regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids - commonly found in dark-fleshed fish like salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and tuna - may help decrease the incidence of dry eye, particularly in older women. Not a fish fan? Flaxseed oil is also a good source of these fatty acids.
Adapt to harsh environments
Sun, wind, heat, dust, smoke and a lack of humidity can all contribute to the symptoms of dry eye. When outdoors, sunglasses may help block some of these elements and protect your eyes from irritation. Indoors, an air filter can remove dust and other irritants from the air, while a humidifier adds moisture to air that's too dry, which can prevent your tears from evaporating as quickly. Avoid fans and hair dryers when you can, and abstain from smoking if at all possible.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can contribute to dry eye, as your body may not be able to provide adequate moisture to produce tears. Drinking water and other fluids can help restore some of this moisture1. The standard recommendation is eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day, but almost any liquid can help, including fruit and vegetable juices and milk. Just make sure to avoid diuretics like alcohol and caffeine.
Use SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops
SYSTANE® ULTRA Lubricant Eye Drops can provide immediate, long-lasting comfort and protection against the symptoms of dry eye.
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