Do you often wake up with eyes feeling as dry as a desert? Or spend your day dealing with itchiness, redness, and irritation? If so, you may have dry Eye syndrome (DES). It’s a common condition that can impact your quality of life and even harm your vision if left untreated.

At Westpoint Optical in Brampton West, We specialize in diagnosing and treating DES. Reach us today to book a regular dry eye exam . In the meantime, here are some easy tips for managing your dry eye symptoms.

Understanding Dry Eyes

Dry eyes occur when you don’t have enough tears or when your tears can’t adequately hydrate your eyes. In most cases, DES is caused by malfunctioning of the meibomian glands at the edges of your eyelids. When these glands get blocked, the oily part of your tears has trouble entering the tear film, which moisturizes your eyes. Without enough oil, tears evaporate quickly, leading to dryness.

Dry eye syndrome can also be triggered or worsened by environmental factors like dry weather, wind, air conditioning, excessive screen time, certain medications, medical conditions, or natural aging. It’s important to address DES promptly to prevent chronic irritation, pain, and potential vision loss due to corneal ulcers.

Reduce Screen Time

Did you know that people blink less when looking at screens? Unfortunately, reduced blinking means less moisture spreading across the tear film, resulting in drier eyes. While cutting down screen time is ideal, it’s only sometimes possible. If you or your children need to use digital devices, consciously blink more frequently and take regular breaks to rest your eyes.

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Just like other organs, your eyes need moisture to function properly. The amount of fluid required varies depending on their body and lifestyle. If you engage in physical activities, drink enough water to replenish your fluids. If drinking plain water is challenging, try adding a bit of lemon juice for flavor or enjoy a fruit or vegetable smoothie.

A healthy diet also plays a role in eye hydration. Include fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish can be particularly beneficial for keeping your eyes hydrated.

Manage Your Environment

Indoor environments, such as heated offices in winter and air-conditioned spaces in summer, can dry out the air and worsen dry eye symptoms. Combat this by using a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Remember to clean the humidifier regularly to prevent bacteria or mold growth.

Wearing wraparound sunglasses when you step outside and protect your eyes from dry air and wind. They create a barrier that shields your tear film from the elements. Applying a warm compress to your closed eyelids for a few minutes can provide soothing relief.

Read also -: 7 Things You Should Know About Eyelid Twitches

Remember to Schedule an Eye Exam

While these tips can help alleviate dry eye symptoms, consulting an eye doctor for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment is crucial. They will identify the underlying cause of your dry, sore, or gritty eyes and prescribe the most suitable treatment to keep them healthy.

Contact Westpoint Optical in Brampton West today to schedule your dry eye exam and get the relief you need.

FAQ

How is dry eye tested?

Your eye doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical conditions, and medications that may contribute to or worsen dry eyes. They may perform the Schirmer’s test, where a small piece of paper is placed under your lower eyelid to measure tear production.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

Wearing standard contact lenses can be challenging and uncomfortable with dry eyes.