Dry eyes are among the most common public complaints eye health practitioners get from patients during the winter months, especially in the cooler climates. That’s why we’d like to talk about some advice on ways to relieve dry eye discomfort and the way to understand when your condition is serious enough to come in for an evaluation.
Harsh weather conditions can lower the moisture in your eyes and also the irritation usually results in itching or burning sensation which usually leads to rubbing or scratching your eyes that can worsen your eye condition. Sometimes it feels like there is just a foreign object in your eye, dry eyes can even cause excessive tearing, as the eyes attempt to overcompensate for their insufficient protective tears. Extended, untreated dry eyes may result in blurry vision as well.
Listed below are few tips to help keep your eyes comfortable throughout the harsh winter months:
Staring at a computer or electronic apparatus for extended amounts of time can further dry out your eyes. If you spend a lot of time staring at the screen, be sure you float frequently and practice that the 20/20/20 rule — every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 minutes.
Drink a lot of fluids — keeping the body hydrated may also help maintain the moisture in your mind.
If you devote a great deal of time indoors in heated environments, use a humidifier to bring some moisture back into the atmosphere.
Attempt to guard yourself against sources of heat, especially if they have been blowing off. While a nice cozy fire can increase the ideal winter day, make certain you keep your distance accordingly tender eyes do not ruin it.
To keep eyes moist, apply artificial tears/eye drops a few times each day. When you have chronic dry eyes, confer with your eye doctor about the ideal eye drop for the condition.
Don’t rub your eyes! This will only increase the irritation and can also lead to infections if both hands are not clean.
Give your eyes rest from contacts and glasses when required. If your contact lenses are causing additional annoyance, then have a break and wear out your glasses for a day or two. Also, talk with your ophthalmologist about switching to contacts that are best for dry eyes.
Protect your own eyes. Once you learn you’re going to be entering harsh weather conditions, such as extreme cold or wind, be sure to wear security. Strive large, 100% UV protective eyeglasses and a hat with a visor to keep the particles and wind from getting near your eyes.
Home Treatments for Dry Eyes
Blink your eyes more frequently while using electronic equipment, as we tend to blink our eyes less frequently than normal while we are engaged with any type of digital screens.
Make sure you take frequent breaks during computer usage. You can follow the 20-20 rule to relieve your eyes from computer eye strain and dry eyes.
When going outdoors, try and wear good quality sunglasses to protect your eyes from dust, several irritants, and wind.
Wash and clean your eyelids properly to remove any type of bacteria.
