Do your eyes ever sting, burn, or feel scratchy? These are just some of the ways that dry eyes can affect you.
Dry eye syndrome is a common eye condition affecting millions of Americans daily. There are some simple actions you can take, however, to help your eyes maintain adequate moisture.
Now that the summer is coming to an end, it’s a great time to consider how you can lower your likelihood of experiencing eye dryness in the autumn months. Keep reading to learn five ways to combat dry eyes this fall!
1. Stay Hydrated
We hear about the importance of staying hydrated in the summer, but drinking plenty of water all year round is essential. If you’re not intaking enough water, it’s only natural that it would be difficult for your eyes to maintain a proper moisture level.
The rule of thumb recommended by health experts is to drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses daily. It can be easy to get caught up in your day and forget to drink water regularly.
Always keep water within reach, and limit drinks that aren’t as hydrating, like coffee, alcohol, and soda. The foods you eat can also help keep you hydrated.
Choose ones with high water concentrations. The fall is the perfect time for soup and tea!
2. Wear Sunglasses Whenever You’re Outside
It’s a myth that you don’t need to wear sunglasses if the sun isn’t shining. Even on cloudy, chilly days, the sun’s rays can still pass through clouds and reach your eyes.
Just as it dries out your skin, the sun can dry out your eyes. So, be sure to protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses whenever you’re outside, no matter the weather.
All sunglasses are not the same. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends choosing a pair that blocks 99 to 100% of ultraviolet (UV) rays.
3. Use Eye Drops When Your Eyes Feel Dry
Sometimes, despite all the precautions you take, you can still feel the effects of eye dryness. Many people suffer from chronic dry eye, which means they regularly experience dryness.
You don’t have to struggle with the symptoms of dry eye. Artificial lubricating eye drops can offer significant relief.
They work similarly to your natural tears to keep your eyes lubricated.
4. Reduce Screen Time
In this day and age, we spend a large portion of our time looking at screens. From computers and TVs to phones and tablets, you may not realize how often your eyes are fixed on a screen.
When you’re staring at a digital screen, you blink less than you usually do. So, tears evaporate faster and are replenished less frequently.
As a result, your eyes can feel tired or strained after an extended session looking at a screen. In this case, the best thing you can do for your eyes is take breaks from looking at a screen and reduce your screen time whenever possible.
A handy rule to help you remember to take breaks is the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.
5. Use a Humidifier
Did you know that the air in your home could be contributing to the dryness in your eyes? This is especially true in the colder months when you’re heating your home.
Dry air can mean dry eyes. An easy fix is placing a humidifier in areas of your home where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or office.
Once the air around you supports healthy, moisturized eyes, you’ll be feeling better in no time.
Have you tried these methods, and your dry eyes are still bothering you? We’re here to help! Schedule an appointment at Rosenthal Eye Surgery and Fifth Avenue EyeCare in Long Island, NY, today.
