As the weather gets cooler, the wind blows more often, the heating also starts up, and the air humidity decreases. At the same time, the number of people suffering from the unpleasant symptoms of dry eyes is increasing.
Dry eye occurs when the eye cannot produce tears of sufficient quantity or of sufficient quality. Unfavorable weather dries out eyes prone to dryness even more.
Dry eye symptoms
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- Red eyes
- Photosensitivity
- It feels as if something has gone into the eye
- Stinging, stinging, itching sensation (may affect only one or both eyes)
- A contact lens that becomes uncomfortable
- Blurred vision, tired eyes
It sounds strange, but tearing and discharge can also be a symptom of dry eyes.
How to avoid dry eyes?
Humidify!
The indoor air is often much drier than the outside during the heating season, and this takes a toll on eyes prone to dry eyes. Increase the humidity of the air to relieve your eyes!
Protect your eyes when you go out!
Wear sunglasses and glasses when you are outdoors, so the wind will irritate your eyes less. The UV filter also protects against the sun’s harmful rays in winter.
Moisturize!
From the point of view of the eyes, it is also important to ensure that you take in the right amount of fluid into your body during the day. In autumn and winter, we tend to drink less, because we feel less thirsty, we don’t want cold water as much – but that still makes the body need it. If you don’t like plain, cold water at this time, make herbal tea and drink it instead!
Rearrange the room!
If the sofa or the desk where you spend most of your time at home is too close to the radiator, your eyes will be in constant contact with dry warm air.
Limit the time spent in front of the monitor!
After the summer vacation and the warm evenings tempting to go for a walk, people tend to spend much more time staring at TV, monitor or display outside of the mandatory work and study time. Look for entertainment that doesn’t require a monitor, and if you do watch it, don’t forget to blink more often!
Wear your glasses too, not just your contact lenses!
Dry eyes can be irritated by contact lenses, but with glasses, they even protect your eyes from the wind or the heat of the radiator. Wear your glasses more often than you used to in the summer!
Wash off your makeup well!
If you are used to painting your eyes or using mascara, remove the paint thoroughly before going to bed! That way, it won’t irritate your eyes even in your sleep, or clog your tear ducts in the morning.
Quit if you smoke!
Avoid passive smoking, because the smoke not only irritates your lungs, but also your eyes!
Consume less caffeine!
Due to its diuretic properties, it is worth reducing or completely avoiding the consumption of caffeinated drinks (coffee, black tea, cola) and food (chocolate). For this reason, it is also worth avoiding alcohol!
Take care of your vitamin intake!
Eat lots of foods containing vitamins A, C and E, fresh fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants !
Eat healthy fats!
If possible, eat foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids but low in Omega-6 fatty acids ! An excessive intake of Omega-6 combined with a low Omega-3 intake can lead to the development of Meibomian gland dysfunction. This gland is responsible for the formation of the fatty film covering the tear, which prevents the evaporation of the tear. In case of a change in its functioning, dry eye disease may also develop!
Don’t rub your eyes!
Try not to touch your eyes , especially do not rub. This can lead to inflammation, and in addition, various pathogens can enter the eyes from the hands.
Go for regular eye examinations!
Dry eyes can have many causes, and there can even be a serious problem in the background. Consult a doctor about your symptoms if they persist to get an accurate diagnosis! You can also ask him for a recommendation on the right eye drops for you.
Remember, these tips can help relieve symptoms, but they are not an alternative to medical care! If you struggle with extreme, chronic dry eyes and feel sharp pain in your eyes, do not hesitate to visit the ophthalmologist!