Dry Eye Prevention

Dry Eye Syndrome describes a group of conditions that cause inflammation on the surface of your eyes and disrupts your eyes’ tear film, making your eyes feel uncomfortable. It affects a large number of individuals every day but there are things you can do to try to prevent Dry Eye Syndrome.

How to Prevent Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can occur for a number of reasons, like aging, reading, spending time on the computer, hormonal changes, certain medications, your environment, etc. Anything that disrupts your eyes’ healthy tear film can cause dry eye symptoms. Dry eye prevention is the best way to avoid uncomfortable symptoms; however, there are some things you simply do not have control over.

When it comes to preventing dry eyes, here’s what you can do:

Avoid air being blown into your eyes from things such as hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners, fans, etc.
Use appropriate eyewear to protect/shield your eyes from wind when engaging in activities such as riding a bike or motorcycle, skiing, or riding in a convertible
Take periodic eye breaks when you’re reading, watching TV, using a computer, or doing another task that requires visual concentration; this can be done by closing your eyes for a few minutes or blinking repeatedly for a few seconds to help spread your tears evenly over your eyes
Position your computer screen below eye level so that you won’t open your eyes as wide; this may help slow your eyes’ tear evaporation between blinks
Quit smoking and try to avoid cigarette smoke from others, because smoke can worsen dry eyes symptoms
Get a humidifier for your home to add moisture to the air
Frequently close your eyes for a few minutes at a time to minimize tear evaporation when you are in certain dry environments, such as high altitudes, desert areas, and airplanes
Regularly use artificial tears (eye drops) even when your eyes do not feel dry; this can help keep them well lubricated
Use ointments before bedtime; they are thicker than eye drops and are designed to coat the eyeball and provide longer-term relief from dryness.
Use a warm compress on your eyes, then wash your eyelids with baby shampoo to help release some of the oil in your eyelids’ glands and improve the quality of your tears
Try an omega-3 fatty acid supplement; these can be found naturally in foods like oily fish and flax seeds, but can also be purchased in liquid or pill supplement form

Dry Eye Doctors in Kansas City

Dry eye symptoms are likely to worsen if left untreated. If you believe you are suffering from this condition, the eye experts at Cavanaugh Eye Center can help! Schedule an eye exam with our trained professionals for proper diagnosis and dry eye treatment. Our eye doctors, Dr. Cavanaugh and Dr. Jaynes, have the experience and knowledge to treat this condition and help prevent dry eyes altogether!

Schedule a Consultation Today!

Address: 6200 W 135th St Suite 300, Overland Park, KS 66223

Phone: (913) 897-9200