Do you suffer from the uncomfortable symptoms of dry eyes, including stinging, redness, and blurred vision? Here is your total guide to preventing dry eye syndrome and how our Calgary doctors can help with any eye emergencies you may have.
It is very common for people, even if they are healthy, to experience dry eyes throughout the year. In most cases, this is at its worst during the winter months because there is less moisture in the air.
Dry eyes can also happen when you don’t produce enough tears and your eyes aren’t kept properly cleaned and lubricated. You may be susceptible to dry eyes if you:
- Wear contact lenses or have recently had eye surgery
- Have certain medical conditions, such as allergies, diabetes, or thyroid problems
- Are a woman who is pregnant, taking oral contraceptives, or you’re postmenopausal
- Wear heavy makeup that blocks the glands around your eyes
- Take certain medications such as antidepressants and antihistamines
- Smoke
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome?
There are several signs and symptoms of dry eyes that can appear in both eyes and may include any of the following:
- Eye fatigue
- Difficulty wearing contact lenses
- Discharge in and around your eye
- Pain or discomfort in your eye
- Stinging or burning sensation
- A gritty/sandy feeling in your eye
- Blurred vision
- Increased light sensitivity
- Excessive watering of eyes
- The feeling of having something in your eyes
The severity of these symptoms can range from an irritating awareness to a debilitating decrease in visual function and quality of life for the patient.
How to Prevent or Lower Your Risk of Developing Dry Eye Syndrome
The two biggest changes you can make to prevent or lower your risk of dry eye syndrome are to your lifestyle habits and environment. Here are some simple things you can try to make your vision more comfortable:
- Wear sunglasses. It is best to wear the wrap-around sunglasses as they will give your eyes the best protection from all angles when you are outdoors. Remember to wear them even in winter!
- Stop your fans, car heater, or anything else from blowing directly in your face. This can exacerbate the symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
- Take frequent breaks when you are working on your computer or reading a book. Close your eyes for a few minutes or look at an object off in the distance. When you are on your computer, keep your screen lower, so you are looking downward at it.
- Avoid smoke, whether it’s from a fireplace or from cigarettes, as this can make your dry eye symptoms worse.
- Add moisture to your home by using a humidifier. It is always recommended to add a humidifier to your bedroom.
- Talk to your eye doctor about using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops to make your vision more comfortable.
- If you wear contact lenses, reduce how long you wear them for during the day. It’s also important that you properly clean and take care of your contact lenses to avoid dry eyes.
- Add more omega-3 fatty acids, such as tuna fish, flax seed, and fish oil, to your diet. The body uses fatty acids to reduce inflammation and protect cell membranes in the eyes and the rest of your body.
What Happens If My Symptoms Don’t Improve?
There could be several reasons why your dry eyes aren’t improving despite any changes you are making. If that is the case, then you should talk to your Calgary optometrist. Prescription medication may be necessary, or you could be taking medications for health conditions that could be exacerbating your dry eyes.
Call Today
Our Calgary eye clinic is open again to serve you. Our telehealth services include virtual consultations, as well as delivery of contact lenses, eye drops, and other eye care essentials.
If you have any questions about your eye health, contact us or give us a call!
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