How to Deal with Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a very common eye condition that will affect most people at some point during their lifetime. Many instances will resolve themselves, but others will require home therapies or medical intervention to create an improvement in the symptoms that are experienced.

 

Common symptoms of dry eyes include:

  • Itchiness

  • Sore/gritty eyes

  • Redness

  • Blurred vision

  • Sensitivity to light


While they can affect anyone, you are more likely to get dry eyes if you are over the age of 50, wear contact lenses, spend long periods of time in front of a computer screen or work or spend time in very dry, dusty, or artificially heated environments. Dry eyes are also a common side effect of many medications, including some taken for antidepressants or high blood pressure.

 

Dry eyes can occur for several reasons, and it’s important to understand the cause of your dry eyes to ensure that you get the right treatment. The main reasons why dry eyes develop include:

 

  • The glands responsible for tear film production aren’t making enough tear film
  • The quality of the tear film is compromised because it doesn’t contain enough oil
  • The tear film drains from the eyes too quickly

 

The good news is that there are many different options for treating dry eyes in Lake Worth, FL, meaning that you don’t need to live with the effects of dry eyes any longer than necessary.

 

Here are some of the things that you can do to help deal with dry eyes


 

Keep your eyes clean


During the course of the day, dust, debris, and even makeup can clog up the tear ducts of the eyes, making them less effective at distributing tear film over the surface of your eyes. By making sure you clean your eyes in the morning, and again at the end of the day, you can help to keep the tear ducts free from the grime that could be contributing to your dry eyes. You can help reduce your risk of eye infections and other issues too.


 

Take regular screen breaks


Many people are surprised to learn that we blink much less often when we are using digital devices, and this can mean that tear film isn’t spread across the eyes as often enough as is needed to keep them hydrated and comfortable. Regular screen breaks to rest your eyes can be very beneficial for combatting the effects of dry eyes.


 

Use a humidifier


A dry environment is a key contributor to dry eyes. You can use a dehumidifier to help add moisture to the air where you are working or sleeping, reducing the impact of dry eyes. You can even use artificial tears to add a little extra moisture to your eyes.


 

Take a break from contacts


If you usually wear contact lenses, you may find that they make your dry eyes worse. In fact, your dry eyes could even be making wearing contacts harder than it should be. Try swapping to glasses until you get your condition under control.


 

Avoid alcohol and smoking


Smoking and drinking alcohol are both thought to contribute towards worsening dry eyes, so these should be avoided while you are trying to combat your symptoms.


 

Speak to your eye doctor in Lake Worth


If your at-home treatments aren’t providing enough relief from your dry eye symptoms, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your eye doctor in Lake Worth at Planet Vision Eyecare, as there are a range of medications and other treatments which could help. These can include:

 

  • Medicated eyedrops

  • Punctal plugs to prevent tear film from draining the tear film too quickly

  • Warm compresses to improve oil production for tear film

  • Lipiflow thermal pulsation treatment to prompt proper tear film production

 

 

If you are concerned about dry eyes and would like further advice and support, call Planet Vision Eyecare in Greenacres and Lake Worth Florida at 561-556-4600 to schedule an appointment.

 

 

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