Dry eyes is a common condition for most.
Most people have occasional or mild dry eye symptoms, which can be treated with regular over-the counter artificial tears (eye drops). Sometimes the symptoms become more persistent or chronic and require extra tests and prescription medicine that an optometrist can prescribe.
With a case of mild dry eyes, some of the symptoms are what most people experience including mild redness, excess watering, blurry vision, or a burning sensation around the eyes. Other symptoms include light sensitivity, or a scratchy or gritty sensation around the eyes. It can cause blurry vision. Wearing contact lenses can be more irritating with dry eyes.
In addition, with technology, from surfing the internet and social media on your phones to working remotely on the computer, more and more people are using electronic devices for at least 8+ hours a day. The eye strain and prolonged focusing on screens can also exacerbate dry eyes, from exhausting your eye muscles and reducing your blink time, which decreases the amount of healthy tears your eyes produces to keep it moisturized.
Here are three very accessible and relatively inexpensive ways to remedy dry eyes:
1.) Use lubricant artificial tears over the counter - apply up to 4 times a day in both eyes as needed.
2.) Follow the 20/20/20 rule. Every 20 minute of screen time, take breaks and look 20 feet away for 20 secs to allow your eyes to relax and defocus.You may apply an artificial tear drop at the time as well.
3.) At night time, apply a heat compress over your eyelids. Do this about 10-15 minutes a day at night over both eye lids with a heated eye mask. Gently do a brief digital massage with your fingers over your eyes afterwards.
