Battling Dry Eyes: Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

Dry eye syndrome is more than just an occasional irritation—it can significantly impact your daily comfort and vision quality. If your eyes often feel dry, itchy, or tired, simple lifestyle changes may provide relief.
 

Understanding Dry Eyes

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep them properly lubricated. Factors like prolonged screen time, aging, certain medications, and environmental conditions can all contribute to this condition. Symptoms often include:

• Burning or stinging sensation

• Redness or irritation

• Blurry vision

• Light sensitivity

• A feeling of something in the eye

• Watery eyes

If you experience these symptoms regularly, making a few lifestyle adjustments can help manage discomfort and protect your vision.

Lifestyle Changes to Relieve Dry Eyes

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Spending long hours in front of a computer or phone screen can reduce blinking and contribute to dryness. Follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something 20 feet away. This helps reduce strain and allows your eyes to rehydrate.

2. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can reduce tear production. Make sure you’re drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your eyes and body well-hydrated.

3. Adjust Your Environment

• Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, especially in winter or air-conditioned spaces

• Avoid direct exposure to fans or air vents that may dry out your eyes

• Wear sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind and sun exposure

4. Improve Your Diet

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can support healthy tear production. Incorporate foods like salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, and chia seeds into your meals.

5. Use Artificial Tears
Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can provide temporary relief. Look for preservative-free options, especially if you use them frequently.

When to See Your Doctor

While lifestyle changes can help manage mild cases of dry eye, persistent discomfort may indicate a more serious underlying issue. Consider scheduling an eye exam if:

• Your symptoms don’t improve with home remedies

• You experience frequent eye infections or inflammation

• You have excessive tearing along with dryness

• Your vision becomes consistently blurry

Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and ensure you get the right treatment for long-term relief. For those struggling with chronic dry eye, Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) therapy has emerged as an effective treatment option. Unlike artificial tears, which offer only temporary relief, IPL addresses the root cause of dry eye by restoring proper tear production.

Find Relief at Eye Care Associates of Princeton

If dry eyes are affecting your daily life, we can help. We offer comprehensive dry eye evaluations and advanced treatments, including IPL therapy, to provide lasting relief.

Schedule a consultation with Eye Care Associates of Princeton to discuss your symptoms and discover a personalized dry eye treatment plan that works for you! Visit our office in Princeton, New Jersey, by call (609) 536-1017 to book an appointment today.