Dry eye syndrome (DES) can cause significant discomfort and requires the intervention of an eye doctor.
However, there are simple things you can do at home to help relieve dry eye symptoms.
Elevated Eyecare offers dry eye treatments for patients living in McDonough and surrounding areas.
All About Dry Eye Syndrome
Can you imagine the surface of your eyes feeling as dry as a desert? That’s what having dry eye syndrome can feel like.
Instead of having well-lubricated eyes, dry eye syndrome can make your eyes bloodshot, itchy and irritated. It can feel like a piece of sand is caught inside your eye. The discomfort can sometimes make it challenging to do daily tasks like read or use a computer. In severe cases, DES can damage the cornea and result in vision loss.
Many things can cause dry eyes: arid weather, indoor heating and AC, aging, some medications and medical conditions. Regardless of why you have DES, here are 3 practical ways to try to relieve the discomfort until you can be treated by your eye doctor:
#1 Use Warm Compresses
Warm compresses soothe irritated eyes by promoting tear production and overall eye health.
To make a warm compress, take a clean, soft cloth or towel and soak it in warm (not hot) water. Take the cloth and place it over your closed eyes for a few minutes and repeat the process a few times a day, or as needed.
The heat from the warm compress can help unclog blocked meibomian glands (which produce the oil that lubricates tears and keeps them from evaporating) and improve the flow of tears.
#2 Change Your Diet
You truly are what you eat.
Drink a lot of water daily, and make a conscious effort to consume healthy foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
Try incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, as research shows that they can alleviate dry eye symptoms. You can find omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseed.
But before changing your diet or taking nutritional supplements, get the okay from your doctor.
#3 Use a Humidifier
Humidifiers add moisture to the air, something that’s essential, especially during the dry winter months. Dry air can make dry eye symptoms worse, so using a humidifier in your home or office can keep your eyes hydrated.
This is quite important if you spend a lot of time indoors.
Other Ways to Relieve Dry Eye
In addition to the practical tips above, you can reduce dry eye symptoms by not smoking, wearing sunglasses when you’re outside, and avoiding comedogenic eye makeup.
Book A Dry Eye Treatment in Elevated Eyecare
You don’t have to deal with DES alone. At Elevated Eyecare in McDonough, we’ll find the underlying cause of your symptoms and provide the appropriate treatment.
Our practice serves patients from McDonough, Stockbridge, Ellenwood, and Jonesboro, Georgia and surrounding communities.