Many people experience dry eye syndrome to varying degrees. For some, it’s common during allergy season or when they wear their contacts too much. For others, it’s a constant struggle. Some people report minor symptoms of dry eye after laser eye surgery, which is why LASIK doctors in Orange County like Doctor Moosa are quite knowledgeable on the subject.
Dry eye can be caused by environmental factors, medical conditions, and certain medications like antidepressants, antihistamines, nasal decongestants, oral contraceptives, and acne medication. There are certain demographic and lifestyle factors that can increase your risk for dry eye as well. These include being a woman, aged 65 and over, frequently using contact lenses, prolonged screen use (low blink rate), smoking, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes.
Dry eye can be uncomfortable and can increase your risk of developing infections. That is why it is important for your LASIK surgeon to determine if your condition is too severe for laser eye surgery before you are approved as a candidate. Regardless, it is a good idea to have some home remedies on hand to mitigate these symptoms. If you notice your eyes becoming drier after getting laser eye surgery in Orange County, then speak to your eye doctor about prescribed eye drops and other medical solutions.
Here are some of the top home remedies for relieving dry eye:
Conduct a Simple Cleaning Procedure
If your eyes are feeling dry, then that means that they are not producing enough tears. Use warm water and a gentle, chemical-free soap to wash your upper and lower eyelids. Follow this with a warm compress to help your eyes properly moisten.
Rest Your Eyes
Too much screen time can contribute to dry eye syndrome. If your eyes are irritated from computer screens or tv screens, then you might need to look away for a while. Consciously increase your blinking rate and maybe even shut your eyes for a few minutes.
Consume More Essential Fatty Acids
According to Doctor Moosa, a leading LASIK expert in Orange County, foods like salmon, flax seeds, and walnuts are high in omega-3. This is great for your vision and your tear glands! Incorporate more fatty acids into your diet in order to improve your dry eye.
Try Vitamin Supplements
Researchers have found a link between dry eye and low vitamin D intake. If you have known vitamin deficiencies, then you should definitely supplement this with some eye-friendly vitamins. Your eye needs vitamin D, C, E, B6, B9, B12, A, riboflavin, niacin, lutein, zeaxanthin, and thiamine.
Consume Less Alcohol
The National Institutes of Health have detected higher cases of dry eye with those who indulge in alcoholic beverages due to the dehydrating effects of alcohol. If you are struggling to keep your dry eye symptoms under control, it can’t help to eliminate this possible cause.
Drink More Water
When your eyes lack lubrication, a good thing to do is drink more water. Hydrating your body will allow your eyes to produce more tears, clean out debris, and blink more often. Experts recommend eight to ten glasses of water a day for proper hydration.
Sleep More
Did you know that lack of sleep can affect your tear ducts? According to the National Institutes of Health, dry eye can be worsened for those that don’t get enough sleep at night. Experts recommend 7 to 8 hours of regular sleep.
