How to Help Chronic Dry Eyes

Chronic dry eyes can be an uncomfortable condition. It can result from problems with tear production, problems with your eyelids, certain medications and environmental factors. You can do several things to relieve this condition that include self-care measures and medical intervention.

Instructions

• 1

  Talk to your doctor about your condition. He can evaluate the cause and suggest appropriate treatments. Commonly used medications include Restasis, which combats inflammation and encourages production of healthy tears and steroid eye drops. Do not use Restasis if you have an eye infection or a history of ocular herpes. Special contact lenses called Boston Scleral Lens help create a fluid-filled layer over the cornea that helps it retain moisture. Certain procedures can address eyelid problems or help you conserve tears.

• 2

  Use artificial tears. Your doctor can suggest appropriate products. Do not use ones that remove redness; these will aggravate your dry eyes. If the drops do not contain preservatives, you can use them several times an hour. If your drops have preservatives in them, limit use to four times daily. If you are not sure if any substances listed are preservatives, ask your doctor.

• 3

  Consider supplementing with omega-3 fatty acids. The Mayo Clinic indicates research has shown these fatty acids can alleviate dry eyes. Talk to your doctor to determine an appropriate dosage, especially if you are taking blood-thinning medications.

• 4

  Protect your eyes with glasses on windy days. Ask your doctor about specially designed glasses that create a moisture chamber around the eye. You can wear these at night and during the day.

• 5

  Use a humidifier in your home during the winter to add moisture to dry indoor air.

• 6

  Take blink breaks. Conscious blinking helps distribute tears more evenly. When you are engaging in activity that calls for intense visual concentration, take breaks every so often. Rest your eyes by closing them for a few seconds and intentionally blinking faster than normal. Your breaks should add up to about five minutes total each hour.