Dry eyes not only feel uncomfortable—they can also impact your overall quality of life. This is especially true if your dry eyes make it difficult to drive at night, work at your computer, wear your contact lenses or even enjoy a sunny day.
Treatments for dry eyes, such as daily use of lubricating eye drops, may make you more comfortable. There are also lifestyle changes that can help reduce dry eye symptoms:
- Avoid blowing air into your eyes. Direct your blow dryer, car heating vents, air conditioner and fans away from your eyes.
- Use a humidifier. It is especially important to add moisture to dry, indoor air during the winter months.
- Rest your eyes. Take a break and close your eyes for a few minutes before returning to your book or using your laptop.
- Position your computer screen below eye level. Not opening your eyes as wide reduces the evaporation of tears between eye blinks.
- Avoid smoke. If you smoke, talk with your doctor and develop a plan to help you quit. It is also important to avoid secondhand smoke.
- Block wind and dry air. Wearing wraparound sunglasses and adding safety shields to the tops and sides of eyeglasses can protect your eyes from these irritants.
“Chronic dry eye can damage the surface of the eye or lead to eye infections,” said David Kolde, M.D., a family medicine physician with Henry Ford Allegiance Family Medicine. “See your doctor if your eyes remain red, irritated, tired or painful, despite trying over-the-counter treatments or making the above lifestyle changes. Your doctor can assess your eye concerns and may refer you to an eye specialist.”
To find a doctor near you, visit henryford.com or call 1-800-HENRYFORD (436-7936).
If you’re in the Jackson area or south central Michigan, visit henryfordallegiance.com or call 1-888-862-DOCS.
David Kolde, M.D., is a family practitioner with Henry Ford Allegiance Family Medicine - Townsend in Jackson.
