How to Make the Most of Your Dry Eye Treatment

You have dry eyes. Your eyes may not produce enough tears, or your tears may not have enough oil in them. Certain medications can cause dry eyes. If you have an autoimmune disease, you’re more likely to have dry eyes as well.

Our board-certified ophthalmologists at Wolchok Eye Associates, PA, in Jacksonville, Florida, treat many patients with dry eyes. We offer several treatment options to relieve the constant irritation of dry eyes. The following are helpful tips for making the most of your dry eye treatment. Taking steps to modify your environment, when possible, can help reduce your symptoms.

Use preservative-free eye drops

If you use over-the-counter eye drops, try preservative-free eye drops during the day so you don’t have to reapply artificial tears so often. At night, use a lubricating gel to keep your eyes moist; they can blur your vision, but you’ll be asleep.

Follow your doctor’s directions

You’ve been using your prescription eye drops for a while, and now your eyes feel fine. You want to stop using them. After all, you feel better.

Even if your eyes don’t hurt, burn, or feel gritty, it’s critical to use your eye drops as directed by your doctor. Your condition is chronic and needs continual treatment.

Give your eyes a break

Do you stare at a screen at work all day? When you look at a computer, you don’t blink as much as you typically would. Your eyes dry out more.

Take mini breaks from your computer screen. Look at the photos on your desk and the pictures on the wall. Additionally, take short breaks every 30 minutes away from your computer. Take a walk around the office or stand up and do a few exercises at your desk to help prevent eye strain. Remember to blink.

Protect your eyes from environmental irritants

Smoke, dry air, and wind can exacerbate dry eyes. Remember these triggers and try to avoid them.

Use a humidifier

Do certain seasons have drier air where you live? Invest in a whole-house humidifier so that the air around you at home contains an adequate amount of moisture.

Use a high-quality air filter

Do you live in the city, a busy suburb, or near an industrial area? Invest in air filters that remove polluting particulates, dust, and allergens from the air in your home.