Beyond the Drops: Lifestyle Changes That Can Help with Dry Eye


Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms such as irritation, redness, a gritty sensation, blurred vision, or even watery eyes. While artificial tears offer relief, there is much more you can do to manage dry eye naturally and effectively.
 

What Causes Dry Eye?

Dry eye can be caused by a variety of factors including aging, hormonal changes, environmental conditions, screen time, meibomian gland dysfunction, and certain medications. Prolonged use of digital devices, air conditioning, and dry climates can all contribute to the evaporation of tears and worsening symptoms.
 

Lifestyle Changes That Can Make a Difference

• Blink More Often: When working on a computer or looking at your phone, you may blink less often, which can cause your tears to evaporate faster. Make a conscious effort to blink fully and regularly, especially during screen time.

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce digital eye strain and encourages natural tear production.

• Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can reduce tear production. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day to support eye health and overall hydration.

• Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home or workspace can help prevent your eyes from drying out, especially during colder months or in dry climates.

• Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Protect your eyes from wind, sun, and dust by wearing wraparound sunglasses. This can reduce tear evaporation and environmental irritation.

• Eat an Omega-3 Rich Diet: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like salmon and sardines, as well as flaxseeds and walnuts, may help improve the quality of your tears and reduce inflammation.

When to See a Doctor

If you have tried lifestyle changes and over-the-counter artificial tears but still experience discomfort, it may be time to visit your optometrist. Persistent dry eye symptoms could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires more advanced care.
 

At Warm Springs Optometric Group, we offer several effective treatment options to help manage dry eye. One option is medicated eye drops, which are prescription drops designed to reduce inflammation and stimulate increased tear production. These drops can be especially helpful for patients whose dry eye is caused by inflammatory conditions or poor tear quality.
 

Another option is punctal plugs. These tiny, biocompatible inserts are placed into the tear ducts to slow the drainage of tears, helping your natural tears stay on the surface of your eyes longer and providing more consistent moisture.
 

For patients with moderate to severe dry eye, we may recommend scleral lenses. These large, specialized contact lenses vault over the surface of the eye and create a fluid reservoir, which helps protect the eye and maintain moisture throughout the day. Scleral lenses can be life-changing for individuals who have not found relief with other methods.
 

Find Dry Eye Relief at Warm Springs Optometric Group

Dry eye can have a significant impact on your comfort and quality of life. The good news is that there are many effective ways to manage your symptoms, both naturally and with professional care. By combining lifestyle changes with expert guidance from your eye doctor, you can find lasting relief.
 

If you’re experiencing dry eye symptoms, schedule consultation with Warm Springs Optometric Group to discuss your symptoms and find a dry eye treatment plan that works for you. Visit our office in Fremont, California, or call (510) 490-0827 to book an appointment today.