Winter is just around the corner and temperatures are plummeting. The frigid temperatures tend to bring drier air, which can put you at risk of developing dry eye syndrome. In today’s post, Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care, your trusted eye specialist, shares some ways to manage this condition.
Drink Plenty of Water
Your eyes need constant lubrication. Staying hydrated is one of the best ways to prevent dry eyes. We suggest drinking at least eight glasses of water daily to maintain visual comfort.
Eat Coldwater Fish
Your reliable optometrist suggests including tuna, salmon and mackerel in your daily intake. Coldwater fish are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids that help maintain your oil-producing tear ducts. Eating these fish regularly can also reduce inflammation when you have dry eyes.
Rest Your Eyes
Eye fatigue is a common cause of dry eyes. Studies show that spending too much time on your computer or other electronic devices can cause eye fatigue, leading to dry eyes. You need to rest your eyes regularly to avoid this issue. You can do so by practicing the 20-20-20 rule. After every 20 minutes of working on an electronic device, look at an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Apply Warm Compresses
If your eyelids become inflamed, they can block your tear ducts, preventing tears from lubricating your eyes. A great way to ease the irritation is to apply a warm compress on your eyes. Hold it over your eye for one minute. The heat and moisture help reduce the inflammation, stimulating tear production.
Medical Management
If these remedies don’t work for you, we may prescribe artificial to help. Applying punctal plugs is also an effective solution to severe dry eyes.
For premier eye care, turn to Shady Grove Eye and Vision Care. Apart from dry eye management, we also provide laser eye surgery, high-quality eyewear and more. Call us today at (301) 859-4060 or fill out our form to schedule a visit. We serve Alexandria, VA, and Potomac and Rockville, MD.
