If you frequently feel like you have sandpaper in your eyes, then you might be suffering from dry eye syndrome (DES).
You're not alone in the struggle against dry eye. At one point or another, most people experience dry eye symptoms. However, when it becomes chronic, it can negatively affect your quality of life.
Fortunately, Professional Eye Care of West Orange diagnoses and treats dry eye syndrome in West Orange.
We’ve also created a list of 3 top tips to help you soothe your dry eyes.
What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition caused by the eyes not creating enough tears, or creating a poor-quality tear film.
This leads to symptoms like eye irritation, redness, and itching. If dry eye symptoms aren’t treated, they can become chronic and lead to more serious eye problems.
The root causes of dry eye syndrome include aging, medications, medical conditions like autoimmune disease, excessive screen time, environmental factors like wind or air conditioning, and meibomian gland dysfunction.
No matter the cause of your dry eyes, there are at-home remedies to alleviate symptoms and reduce discomfort. Contact Professional Eye Care of West Orange in West Orange to learn more and to receive lasting dry eye treatment.
#1 Increase Humidity in Your Home
Dry air can make dry eye symptoms worse, so make sure you have adequate humidity in your home.
Humidifiers are the best way to add moisture into the air. If you don’t have one, consider keeping bowls of water around your home or office to add moisture to the air, especially during the cold winter months.
#2 Make Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can also reduce the symptoms of dry eye.
Cutting down on alcohol consumption, not smoking, and minimizing exposure to dry air from indoor heating and AC can make a difference. So can wearing goggles or wrap-around sunglasses in windy conditions.
Taking regular breaks when using a computer or digital device can also help with reducing eye strain and dry eye symptoms. People who look at digital screens tend to blink much less often, so remember to blink.
#3 Add Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet
Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation and increase tear production. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, flaxseed, and supplements like fish oil.
Be sure to speak with your physician before starting a new supplement regimen or changing your diet.
Treat Dry Eye in West Orange
Making lifestyle changes and adjusting your diet are all effective ways to reduce the discomfort associated with dry eye.
Should the symptoms persist, we recommend you book an eye exam with Professional Eye Care of West Orange in West Orange. We'll get to the root of the issue and help provide lasting dry eye relief.Â
Our practice serves patients from West Orange, Verona, Newark, and Essex County, New Jersey and surrounding communities.