Environmental causes of dry eyes and tips to protect your eyes
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Dry eyes are a common problem affecting millions of people. Research suggests environmental factors like air quality, lighting, and medications can contribute to dry eye syndrome. This article explores 8 environmental causes and tips to help protect your eyes from irritation and discomfort.
Blinking More May Help
Our eyes need lubrication to stay healthy. Blinking spreads tears across the surface of the eyes, keeping them moist. However, activities like staring at screens can reduce blinking. Making an effort to blink fully and more often can help combat environmental drying factors. Try setting reminders to briefly close your eyes or gaze away from screens.
Reduce Exposure to Irritants
Dusty, smoky, or windy conditions can remove moisture from eyes. Wearing wraparound glasses when appropriate helps create a barrier against irritants. Reducing time in very dry or dirty environments, limiting contact lens wear in dusty/windy weather, and using preservative-free eye drops can also help protect eyes.
Stay Hydrated
Research shows that being hydrated supports tear production and eye health. Along with water, choosing beverages like herbal teas over sugary or caffeinated drinks can benefit dry eyes. Eating hydrating fruits and vegetables may also help.
Consider Your Medications/Supplements
Certain over-the-counter and prescription medicines list dry eyes as a potential side effect. These include antihistamines, birth control pills, diuretics and more. Speak to your doctor if you suspect a medication is contributing to dryness. Also take supplements as directed, as large doses of some may impact tear production.
While environmental factors can challenge eye health, small daily changes can make a big difference. Protect eyes by staying hydrated, managing medications carefully, reducing exposure to irritants when possible and remembering to blink. Speak to an eye doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance on maintaining the best eye health for your lifestyle and environment.
Blinking More May Help
Our eyes need lubrication to stay healthy. Blinking spreads tears across the surface of the eyes, keeping them moist. However, activities like staring at screens can reduce blinking. Making an effort to blink fully and more often can help combat environmental drying factors. Try setting reminders to briefly close your eyes or gaze away from screens.
Reduce Exposure to Irritants
Dusty, smoky, or windy conditions can remove moisture from eyes. Wearing wraparound glasses when appropriate helps create a barrier against irritants. Reducing time in very dry or dirty environments, limiting contact lens wear in dusty/windy weather, and using preservative-free eye drops can also help protect eyes.
Stay Hydrated
Research shows that being hydrated supports tear production and eye health. Along with water, choosing beverages like herbal teas over sugary or caffeinated drinks can benefit dry eyes. Eating hydrating fruits and vegetables may also help.
Consider Your Medications/Supplements
Certain over-the-counter and prescription medicines list dry eyes as a potential side effect. These include antihistamines, birth control pills, diuretics and more. Speak to your doctor if you suspect a medication is contributing to dryness. Also take supplements as directed, as large doses of some may impact tear production.
While environmental factors can challenge eye health, small daily changes can make a big difference. Protect eyes by staying hydrated, managing medications carefully, reducing exposure to irritants when possible and remembering to blink. Speak to an eye doctor or pharmacist for personalized guidance on maintaining the best eye health for your lifestyle and environment.