Say Goodbye to Dry Eye With These Helpful Tips

Cooper Optometry Blog Say Goodbye to Dry Eye With These Helpful Tips

Do your eyes often feel scratchy, tired, or like there’s sand in them? Do you find yourself blinking more or rubbing your eyes throughout the day? You may be dealing with dry eye, a common condition that affects around 8.1% of the United States population.

At Cooper Optometry in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Donna Cooper and Dr. Sarah Chung see patients every day who are frustrated by dry, irritated eyes. The good news? You don’t have to live with the discomfort. There are several simple ways to relieve dry eye and improve how your eyes feel and function.

Let’s discuss what causes dry eye and what you can do to feel better.

Understanding dry eye

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t make enough tears or the tears you do make don’t work as they should. Healthy tears contain oils that keep your eyes moist, protect them from dust and infection, and help you see clearly. When that system isn’t working, you may notice symptoms like:

Dry eye may be mild or severe and can come and go or be present constantly.

Dry eye causes

Several things can lead to dry eye. Common causes include:

Screen time

Staring at a phone, tablet, or computer reduces how often you blink, drying out your eyes.

Aging

Tear production naturally slows as we get older, especially after 50. Around 20% of people over 40 have dry eye.

Environment

Dry air, wind, heaters, and air conditioning can pull moisture from your eyes.

Health conditions

Diabetes, thyroid problems, and autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome can affect tear glands.

Medications

Some medicines, like antihistamines and blood pressure meds, can reduce tear production.

Wearing contacts

Contact lenses can sometimes make dry eye worse if they’re not properly fitted or worn too long.

Tips to relieve dry eye

If you’re struggling with dry eye, here are some helpful tips we recommend to our patients:

1. Blink more often

It sounds simple, but blinking helps spread tears evenly over your eyes. When you’re staring at a screen, remind yourself to blink. The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can also help.

2. Use artificial tears

Over-the-counter eye drops can give your eyes the moisture they’re missing. Choose preservative-free drops if you need to use them more than a few times a day. We’re happy to recommend a brand that works best for your needs.

3. Protect your eyes from the environment

Wind, smoke, and dry air can all make dry eye worse. Try wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors, and use a humidifier indoors to keep the air from getting too dry.

4. Adjust your screen and workspace

Position your computer monitor slightly below eye level so your eyes don’t open as wide. This helps reduce tear evaporation. Take frequent breaks and adjust the lighting to reduce glare.

5. Eat eye-friendly foods

Omega-3 fatty acids in fish like salmon, sardines, and tuna may help reduce dry eye symptoms. Vegetarians and vegans can find omega-3s in flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts.

6. Stay hydrated

Drinking enough water helps your body and your eyes stay hydrated. Aim for about eight cups of water daily, and limit dehydrating drinks like coffee and alcohol.

7. Talk to your optometrist

If you’ve tried these tips and still have dry eye, visit us for a comprehensive eye exam. We can check for underlying issues and recommend treatments like prescription eye drops, tear duct plugs, or in-office procedures to improve tear flow and quality.

Dry eye can be uncomfortable, but it’s treatable. The sooner you take steps to care for your eyes, the faster you’ll feel relief. Whether it’s lifestyle changes, over-the-counter options, or personalized treatment, we’re here to help you find what works.

If you’re dealing with dry, irritated eyes, call our team at Cooper Optometry today or request an appointment online anytime.