Chronic dry eye creates a host of subtle but unpleasant symptoms that affect your quality of life. Fortunately, addressing the underlying issue can bring considerable relief. Here’s what to look for and how to fix it.
What Causes Dry Eye?
Dry eye stems from various causes that aren’t all within your control. For example, some folks have a genetic predisposition to the condition but can find relief through effective treatments. Other common causes of dry eye include:
- Taking certain medications.
- Seasonal or environmental allergies, including exposure to pollution and smoke.
- Eye strain from activities such as spending long hours at the screen.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Wearing contact lenses, especially when combined with excess screen time.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dry Eye?
The symptoms of dry eye often mimic those of eye strain, as the two conditions share a link. Many people experience the following signs of dry eye:
- A burning, itching or scratching sensation — it can feel like something in your eye
- Blurry vision
- Red, irritated eyes — the surrounding skin may also grow inflamed from frequent rubbing
You might also experience negative mood changes, which often accompany mild yet irritating and recurrent conditions.
Preventing Dry Eye
Checking in with yourself when you feel off is the first step. Get in the habit of performing a quick body scan when you notice a dip in your energy or mood. The more quickly you address the underlying problem, the faster you’ll achieve relief.
Doing so also reminds you to apply the 20-20-20 rule — one of the best methods of preventing dry eye from long hours at the computer. Set a timer to stop what you are doing every 20 minutes and look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
Be sure it’s not another screen, like your office television. Gazing at a natural scene is best for the additional stress-busting benefits.
Furthermore, using rewetting drops as necessary or as directed by your eye doctor also serves as dry eye prevention. They may prescribe these for seasonal allergies, to counteract the effect of other, more drying medications or as part of your course of treatment for an autoimmune disease. You can also find some brands for seasonal allergies available over the counter.
Natural Cures For Dry Eye
Other natural and holistic remedies for dry eye include looking at your immediate environment and habits. For example:
- Stay hydrated: Getting dehydrated affects all your body’s tissues, and those in your eye are particularly susceptible.
- Protect yourself: Wear sunglasses outdoors and consider blue light-cutting glasses for computer work. Remind yourself to blink more frequently when using screens to keep your eyes moist.
- Nourish your eyes: Vitamins A and D, lutein, and zeaxanthin tend to benefit the eyes.
- Try a humidifier: A dry environment can affect your eyes.
When To See A Doctor
If your dry eye persists for a week or more despite changing your habits, it’s time to give your doctor a call. Although rare, medical conditions can result in dry eye, and ruling out any underlying causes protects your long-term vision and health.
Adults aged 18 through 64 should have an eye exam every other year, but the health care inequity means many skip this visit until trouble with their eyesight develops. Fortunately, finding an eye doctor isn’t difficult. Those with coverage should contact their insurer for a list of providers who accept their plan, but those without can find eye boutiques in many big box stores. Expect to pay around $100, depending on the tests selected.
Your physician may suggest rewetting drops, which you can often buy over the counter. They may also prescribe treatments for conditions that add to your discomfort.
Pay Attention To The Symptoms Of Dry Eye
Is your afternoon irritability a sign you need coffee or to rehydrate with water and give your eyes a break? Recognizing the subtle and often-ignored symptoms of dry eye is half the battle. The other is implementing practical prevention strategies and holistic interventions. Taking the right steps to protect your peepers and seeing your eye doctor can result in lasting relief.
