Tips for Managing Dry Eye at Home

When you’re suffering from chronic dry eye, finding solutions is difficult. One of the most important things to do is check in with your Pittsburgh area eye doctor for medical care. However, there are things you can do at home to manage the burning, gritty feeling in your eyes. Here are some tips from the team at Lappen Eye Care to help you get on track.

Use Warm Compresses

Sometimes, dry eye occurs because of inflammation and debris clogging the oil-producing glands on the lid of the eye. A warm compress can thin out this inflammation and gunk, allowing the glands to produce oil and keep the eye moist. Leave the compress on your eye for at least one minute, then use gentle pressure to clear any clogs after warming the eye.

Train Yourself to Blink

Many people do desk jobs that reduce how much time they blink each hour. Train yourself to blink more often. You can also close your eyes for 20 seconds every 20 minutes while you’re sitting at your desk.

Up Your Fish Oil

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in salmon and tuna, are great for eye health. Try including these in your diet. If you can’t, then add a supplement if your doctor thinks it is a good idea.

Hydrate!

Drink ample water to keep your eyes moist. Eight to ten glasses of water a day are ideal, and balance any caffeine or alcohol intake with additional water. Including foods that are high in water, like cucumber, in your diet can also help.

As you implement these changes at home, make sure you’re keeping up with any medical advice from your eye doctor. Schedule an eye exam to ensure your eyes are healthy. Dry eye is no joke, but you can get help with the treatment Lappen Eye Care. Schedule an appointment today.