Lifestyle Changes for Dry Eyes
If you experience frequent bouts of irritated eyes or dry eyes, but the symptoms are not serious, a few lifestyle changes can help you relieve any discomfort. On the other hand, if dry eyes have progressed and caused damage to the epithelial cells, which cover the cornea, medication and lifestyle changes for dry eyes will certainly help.
- Limit the use of a hairdryer
The hairdryer speeds up your hair-drying time and lowers the styling time; it can also lead to dry eyes. The hot air from the dryer makes your tears evaporate fast. It can aggravate or trigger dry eye symptoms. It would be best to let your hair air dry or use a towel to dry it before styling. If you are in a hurry, you can apply some airdrops to your eyes before using an air dryer. It will help add moisture and keep your eyes moist. - Keep yourself hydrated
You already know that your eyes need a lot of moisture. The primary symptom of dehydration is dry eye syndrome. So, if your eyes feel dry, you should drink a glass of water. - Wash your eyelids thoroughly
You must wash your eyelids with baby shampoo or warm soapy water both at night and in the morning. This will relieve you from chronic dry eye symptoms. It is a great technique to get rid of the bacteria, which may be causing blepharitis. Blepharitis usually develops when your oil glands are clogged and cause inflammation in the eyelids. It may be followed by itchiness and redness in the eyes. - Reduce your screen time
We are continually looking at screens. These screens put a strain on the eyes and can lead to dry eyes. Thus, after every few hours, it would help if you take a break from your screens. A 20-second break can also do wonders. Further, you can also reduce the dry eye syndrome by increasing the distance between the screen and the eyes. If you are using a laptop, push the screen backward. A minimum of a 6-inch distance is recommended. Lastly, you can adjust the screen brightness and keep it at a lower level to reduce dry eyes. - Avoid contact lenses
Prolonged usage of contact lenses also contributes to chronic dry eye. When you wear contact lenses, your eyes will retain the moisture. It will also be helpful if you remove the contacts hours before hitting the bed. Never sleep with lenses, as it curtails the oxygen levels of your eyes. - Use a humidifier
The best lifestyle change for dry eyes is to avoid a dry environment. It prevents dryness in the eyes. So, if you live in a dry climate, it will naturally affect your eyes. You can avoid that by using a humidifier.