Do you, like many other Arizona residents, frequently suffer from dry eyes? While this condition might not be terribly debilitating, it can still take a toll on you and could even lead to more severe eye problems. Ensuring that you take all the precautions necessary can help not only prevent dry eye, but also any eye infections due to this condition. Keep reading for tips on how to prevent and alleviate dry eye.
Eye Drops
While eye drops will not completely resolve dry eyes, they can keep your eyes hydrated and free of dust and debris.
Avoid Rubbing
Rubbing your eyes is never a good idea, so you should avoid it as much as possible. Some negative side effects of rubbing your eyes include the transmission of microbes and eye infections. Instead, you should rinse your eyes with water.
Air Humidifiers
Arizona is very arid, which is why dry eye is very common—especially in the lower half of the state. Having an air humidifier at home can help to increase the moisture in the air, which helps to keep your eyes hydrated and reduce the risk of dry eye.
Quit Smoking / Avoid Smoke
Cigarettes are as bad for your lungs and overall health as they are for your eyes. Smoking can double the risk of developing macular degeneration and blindness, and it can also cause dry eye. Quitting this unhealthy habit—as well as avoiding smoke-infested areas—can help to keep your eyes healthy and well-lubricated.
Be Careful With Electronics
Did you know that when your computer or TV screen is above eye level, you open your eyes wider to see it? This action can cause dryness in your eyes, so our optometrists at Valley Eyecare Center recommend that you keep screens below eye level so that your eyelids will lower over the top part of your eye.
Give Your Eyes A Break
Eye-intensive activities such as reading, playing videogames, and working for long hours in front of a computer can eventually lead to dry eye. Make sure that you incorporate the 20-20-20 rule into your daily activities—for every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something that is 20 feet away from you. This simple routine will rest your eyes and keep them well lubricated.
For more information about how to avoid dry eye in Arizona, or to schedule your yearly eye exam, call (602) 955-2700, or visit our website.
