HOW CAN I TREAT DRY EYES NATURALLY?

Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is the fancy medical term for dry eye syndrome, or chronic dry eye. While everyone can experience dry eyes sometimes, it can become ongoing in some people due to hormonal changes, certain medications, specific autoimmune diseases, allergies, inflamed or blocked eyelid glands, contact lens use, vitamin A deficiency, and LASIK vision correction surgery. Most often it is owed to conditions created by simple aging. It is more common among women, particularly after menopause. People may suffer from decreased tear production, increased tear evaporation, or both.

Chronic dry eyes should not be ignored. Not only are dry eyes uncomfortable, they’re more susceptible to distorted vision, eye infections, inflammation, and corneal damage, which could result in vision loss.

Luckily, there are natural ways to help relieve the symptoms of dry eye, including blurring, itching, stinging, redness, grittiness, foreign body sensation and photosensitivity.

NATURAL WAYS TO HELP ALLEVIATE DRY EYES

1. Blink more! Our addiction to phone, computer and tablet screens often reduces our normal tendency to blink. Making a deliberate effort to blink more often throughout the day, especially when staring at a screen, can help keep eyes lubricated. A good rule of thumb is to blink 5-10 times every minute or two, and close your eyes for a few minutes after every hour of prolonged focus.

Also beneficial, utilize the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Making these efforts a habit can go a long way toward relieving dry eye symptoms.

2. Stay hydrated. Try to drink at least 8-10 glasses of water per day. Bear in mind that caffeine, alcohol and diuretics are dehydrating, so regular consumers of these substances should be especially mindful to drink enough water.

3. Add Omega-3s. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, sardines, flaxseeds and walnuts, as well as fish oil supplements, contain anti-inflammatory properties that may help improve tear production and reduce dry eye symptoms.

4. Address dry air conditions. High altitudes, desert conditions, airplane travel and other environments can result in dry conditions. Using a humidifier and avoiding direct air flow from wind, fans and air conditioning can help reduce tear evaporation.

5. Avoid smoke. Smoke from cigarettes, cigars, etc. can really irritate and dry out eyes.

6. Add warmth. The eye’s meibomian glands are responsible for producing the oily layer of tear film, which keeps tears from evaporating off the eye’s surface. Blocked meibomian glands are a leading cause of chronic dry eye, especially among people over 50. A warm compress applied to closed eyelids for about 5-10 minutes can help unblock these tiny glands, improving tear quality and reducing dryness.

7. Keep eyelids clean. Keeping allergens, dust and grit off your eyelids and eyelid margins can help reduce dryness and discomfort, and help prevent infection. Gently clean your lids and margins with a mild, preservative-free cleanser designed for eyelids.

8. Use artificial tears. Over-the-counter artificial tear drops can provide quenching relief from dry eye symptoms. Due to recent cases of serious problems associated with off-brand eye drops, stick to trusted name brands like Systane, Refresh, Blink and others. If you find you use eye drops more than four times a day, go for preservative-free eyedrops, as preservatives can irritate eyes. Preservative-free types can be used as often as needed. Avoid products that claim to “get the red out,” as the active ingredients that treat redness can dry eyes even further.

9. See your eye doctor. If you try these natural remedies for dry eyes and symptoms persist or worsen, make an appointment with an eye doctor. Having a comprehensive eye exam can help determine the cause of your chronic dry eye, and initiate more effective treatment, such as prescription eye drops, medications or treatment for blocked meibomian glands, which accounts for an estimated 86% of all dry eye cases. Lake Eye offers an effective, drug-free treatment designed to help gently unblock these glands so that healthy tear film can be restored safely and naturally.

VISIT DRY EYE THERAPY PROFESSIONALS
Lake Eye (a US Eye Company) offers a range of proven treatments to help alleviate and manage dry eye conditions, so your eyes will see, feel and function better, and remain healthy and bright. If your eyes could use a check-up, make an appointment today.

Lake Eye Associates

352-632-2020
www.LakeEye.com