What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage My Dry Eyes?

Dealing with dry, irritated eyes can be more than just an occasional annoyance—it can interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to focus, work, or even enjoy time outdoors. Whether it’s a persistent gritty feeling, excessive tearing, or blurry vision, dry eye disease affects millions of people and can range from mild discomfort to a chronic condition. 

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye disease occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears isn’t sufficient to keep your eyes lubricated. There are two primary types of dry eye:

• Evaporative Dry Eye: This is the most common type and happens when the oil layer of your tears is compromised, usually due to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Without a stable oil layer, tears evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes dry.

• Aqueous Deficient Dry Eye: This occurs when your lacrimal glands don’t produce enough tears to keep your eyes hydrated.
   

Regardless of the type, dry eye can cause symptoms that impact daily life.
 

Common Symptoms of Dry Eye

Dry eye symptoms can vary from mild to severe, and they often worsen as the day goes on. Some of the most common signs include:

• A gritty or sandy feeling in your eyes

• Redness and irritation

• Sensitivity to light

• Blurry vision that improves with blinking

• Watery eyes

• Burning or stinging sensations
   

While these symptoms may come and go, chronic dry eye needs to be managed properly to prevent long-term damage and discomfort.
 

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

Making small adjustments to your daily routine can go a long way in improving dry eye symptoms. Here are some practical steps to take:

• Use Artificial Tears Regularly: Over-the-counter artificial tears help provide relief by supplementing your natural tear film. If you’re using them frequently, opt for preservative-free formulas to avoid irritation.

• Apply Warm Compresses: A warm compress can help open up clogged oil glands along your eyelids, improving tear stability and reducing evaporative dry eye symptoms. Make this a part of your daily routine, especially if you wake up with dry or irritated eyes.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day to keep your tear production at its best.

• Improve Your Diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can help improve the quality of your tears. A well-balanced diet plays a crucial role in overall eye health.

• Use a Humidifier: Dry indoor air, especially during winter or in air-conditioned environments, can make dry eye symptoms worse. A humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps keep your eyes comfortable.

• Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Protecting your eyes from wind, dust, and UV rays can prevent excessive tear evaporation. Wraparound sunglasses offer the best protection.
   

When to See a Doctor

If your dry eye symptoms persist despite these lifestyle changes, it may be time to seek professional help. Chronic dry eye can lead to complications if left untreated, including damage to the eye’s surface and increased risk of infections. A comprehensive eye exam can determine the severity of your condition and whether additional treatments are necessary.
 

Advanced Treatment Options

If over-the-counter solutions aren’t providing enough relief, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:

• Prescription Eye Drops: Medications help reduce inflammation and improve tear production over time.

• Punctal Plugs: Tiny plugs are inserted into the tear ducts to slow tear drainage, keeping your eyes moist for longer.

• Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) Therapy: IPL treatment is designed to reduce inflammation and improve meibomian gland function, helping to stabilize the tear film and reduce symptoms of evaporative dry eye.
   

Find Dry Eye Relief at Clear View Vision Center

Dry eye disease can be frustrating, but you don’t have to live with discomfort. Simple lifestyle adjustments—like using artificial tears, applying warm compresses, and maintaining good hydration—can make a significant difference. If your symptoms persist, seeking professional treatment can provide long-term relief and protect your eye health.
 

At Clear View Vision Center, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and personalized treatment plans to help you manage dry eye effectively. Schedule your consultation and take the first step toward healthier, more comfortable eyes. Contact our office in American Fork or Lehi, Utah, by calling (801) 756-4731 to book an appointment today.