Dry eye is a condition that affects many people worldwide. Anyone whose eyes produce inadequate tears to lubricate and add moisture to their eye surface has it. It gets worse if their tears also evaporate quickly.
Tears play a vital role in maintaining your eye’s comfort and health through lubrication. Insufficient tears can inflame, irritate, and dry your eye surface. The situation leads to dry eye symptoms such as grittiness, blurred vision, redness, itching, and burning of the eyes. Your symptoms can be mild to severe. Dry eyes can affect your quality of life. Check out these six tips to manage severe dry eye symptoms.
Artificial Tears
Dry eye symptoms like stinging or burning of the eyes can cause so much discomfort. Using artificial tears is a simple way to manage your symptoms. They hydrate and soothe the eyes by adding a layer of moisture. You can get them over the counter in different formulations like sprays, ointments, and gels.
Stay Away From Environmental Triggers
Dry eye symptoms can worsen when exposed to environmental triggers like dry air, smoke, dust, and wind. You can use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air in your office or room. Avoid staying in places with poor air quality.
Wearing sunglasses outdoors can also help protect your eyes from environmental triggers of dry eyes. You can wear protective eyewear if you work in a windy or dusty environment to protect your eyes and keep them comfortable.
Use Warm Compresses
A warm compress can soothe your irritated, dry eyes and enhance the quality of the tears your eyes produce. You can treat yourself at home by using a clean cloth.
Soak it in warm water, then apply it to your eyes for a few minutes. Ensure you close your eyes when placing it. Repeat the process as often as you need throughout the day to get the relief you need.
Blink Often
Spending so much time staring at digital screens or using a computer reduces your blinking frequency. This increases your risk of dry eyes. Blinking helps distribute tears across your eye surface. Doing so keeps your eye surface moisturized and lubricated. When using digital devices, blink frequently to improve your dry eye symptoms.
Manage Underlying Health Conditions
Underlying health problems like lupus or arthritis can cause severe dry eyes. Accordingly, you must manage these health conditions.
Do so by following the instructions your health care provider gives you. They may advise you to undergo various treatments, take certain medications, or change certain aspects of your lifestyle to improve your eye condition.
Visit Your Eye Doctor
If your dry eye symptoms persist, see your doctor for a comprehensive eye examination. Your specialist can determine what causes your symptoms and recommend the ideal treatment options like lifestyle modifications, medications, or dietary changes to resolve the eye problem. Your doctor may recommend surgery to block your tear ducts or improve tear production.
For more about severe dry eye, visit Sure Vision Centers of Florida at our office in Orlando, Florida. You can call (407) 964-8665 to book an appointment today.