If you live in Houston, you’re no stranger to the changing seasons and environmental factors that may affect your eyes. Many people find dry eye frustrating because it can be uncomfortable, cause eye irritation, and even create blurred vision. Fortunately, you can ease symptoms with simple lifestyle modifications that promote long-term relief.
At The Dry Eye Studio, we believe in the power of a holistic approach to dry eye management. Professional treatments can provide relief, but you can also make several lifestyle adjustments to help ease dry eye symptoms and heal dry eye with lifestyle changes.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Before making lifestyle changes, let’s look into the causes of dry eye. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears, or the evaporation rate is too high. Some factors that might be responsible include:
- Environmental conditions: In Houston, exposure to wind, air conditioning, and pollution can cause dry eyes.
- Prolonged screen time: This decreases the frequency of blinking in a person, causing dryness of the eyes.
- Aging: As we age, tear production decreases, making this condition more common among older adults.
- Health conditions: Some conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (thyroid, Bell’s palsy, diabetes), can affect tear production.
Lifestyle modifications that can help heal dry eye:
1. Keep Hydrated
Your eyes contain a lot of water, and tear production requires an adequate intake of water in the body. Drinking enough water throughout the day will help lubricate your eyes and prevent dryness. If you are active or in a dry environment, drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily.
2. Using Humidifiers
The hot and dry climate in Houston can be very harsh on your eyes. This may also be a good reason to invest in a humidifier for your home, especially in the cooler months of the year when the air can be significantly drier. This can add moisture to the air, preventing your eyes from getting too dry and promoting eye comfort.
3. Take Regular Breaks from Screens
The digital age has increased screen time, and for many, this is a reason behind dry eye symptoms. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds, and look at something 20 feet away. This simple habit refreshes your eyes to reduce strain and dryness.
4. Adjust Your Environment
Look around you. If you’re outdoors and the wind blows, or you’re near pollution or air conditioning with a strong draft, these can be contributory factors. Wearing sunglasses will help protect your eyes from the wind and dust; adjusting the temperature and airflow in your living spaces can reduce dryness.
5. Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, common in foods like salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts, naturally increase tear production and reduce eye inflammation. Incorporating these into your diet can have a great impact on the health of your eyes. If you do not like fish, consider taking an omega-3 supplement after consulting with your health professional.
6. Avoid Smoking
Smoking can increase the risk for dry eye and exacerbate symptoms in those already afflicted. Giving up smoking improves eye health by lessening inflammation that could be irritating dry eyes.
Take Control of Your Dry Eye Symptoms
The several simple lifestyle modifications mentioned above can greatly help heal dry eyes. Although these may not eliminate the need for medical treatments, they provide a valuable addition to professional care and can even significantly improve symptoms.
At The Dry Eye Studio, we help you manage dry eye effectively. If your symptoms persist, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Our team will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyle.
