Hello, I'm an optometrist with years of experience in helping patients with eye care. Dry eyes can be quite uncomfortable and sometimes even painful. Here are some strategies to help alleviate dry eye symptoms:


1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help keep your body, and your eyes, hydrated.

2. Use Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter artificial tears can provide temporary relief.

3. Blink More Often: This helps to spread the natural oils and other components of your tears across the surface of your eyes.

4. Take Breaks from Screens: Prolonged use of computers, tablets, and smartphones can contribute to dry eyes. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

5. Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air can help reduce eye dryness.

6. Avoid Fans and Air Conditioners: These can dry out the air and exacerbate dry eye symptoms.
7.
Wear Wraparound Sunglasses: They can protect your eyes from wind and dry conditions.
8.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can help support eye health.
9.
Avoid Contact Lenses: If you have dry eyes, contact lenses can make the condition worse.
10.
See an Eye Specialist: If your dry eyes persist, it's important to get a professional evaluation.

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Take frequent breaks from computer work or reading, and keep your eyes lubricated by remembering to blink often. Turn off ceiling fans when possible. Lay a warm, damp washcloth across your eyelids for a couple minutes. Ask your VSP network doctor about punctal plugs which block tears from draining from the eye.read more >>