There are lots of things that eye doctors can do to make dry eyes better, from prescribing medications to performing in-office tests and procedure that get your glands to produce more tears. But what can you do on your own at home?
Here are some tips on dry eye self care from the American Optometric Association:
Steps you can take to reduce symptoms of dry eyes include:
- Remembering to blink regularly when reading or staring at a computer screen for long periods of time.
- Increasing the level of humidity in the air at work and at home.
- Wearing sunglasses outdoors, particularly those with wrap around frame design, to reduce exposure to drying winds and sun.
- Using nutritional supplements containing essential fatty acids may help decrease dry eye symptoms in some people. Ask your optometrist if the use of dietary supplements could be of help for your dry eye problems.
- Avoiding becoming dehydrated by drinking plenty of water (8 to 10 glasses) each day.