Did you know that May is Vision Health Month? During this important month, we like to share tips and information on how to protect your eye health. Keeping your eyes healthy is one of our top priorities. Here are some tips from Dr. Mayli Davis, a board-certified ophthalmologist, on how to both prevent and treat the common eye condition known as dry eye.

What Is Dry Eye?

Dry eye happens to everyone at some point in their lives. But, for some individuals, it is a chronic condition requiring constant management.

When chronic, it is usually because of a condition such as ocular surface disease, a disorder in which the eye cannot make enough tears or does not make tears of good quality. Yes, tear quality is a thing!

Dry eye can also be caused by looking at electronic screens – like those on your phone, tablet or computer – for extended periods.

Additional causes of dry eye include:

• Medications such as sleeping aids, antidepressants, anxiety medications, antihistamines, and cold and allergy meds
• Health conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, thyroid disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Sjogren’s syndrome
• Changes in hormones during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause
• Decreased or limited blinks when looking at electronics, watching television, staring at something or while reading
• Living in windy or highly polluted environments
• Wearing contact lenses for extended periods (here’s a good reminder to change yours out!)
• Seasonal allergies
• Eye surgery

Symptoms of Dry Eye

Do you think you have dry eye or dry eyes? Check your symptoms against this list:

• Burning
• Stinging
• Scratching sensation in the eye(s)
• Feeling as if your eyelids are “stuck”
• Irritation of the eye
• Feeling as if something is stuck in your eye or eyes
• Redness
• Inflammation of eyelids
• Excessive mucus in the eye or eye area
• Watering eyes
• Pain while wearing contacts

Can You Minimize Dry Eye?

Yes, you can. Here are some ways to help reduce the risk of developing dry eye:

1. Use an air filter to reduce pollen in your home.
2. Use a humidifier to increase moisture in the air.
3. Wear eye protection to prevent your eyes from drying out in the wind. Eye protection can also shield them from debris.
4. Avoid cigarette smoke, as smoking/smoke can cause eye dryness.
5. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and keep eyes hydrated. A good rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces each day.
6. Eat foods to support eye health, including foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids. These foods include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring and sardines. Nuts, seeds and plant oils also are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, you can take omega-3 fatty acid supplements.
7. Use artificial tears. If you’re not getting relief from other methods, talk to Dr. Davis about using artificial tears or eye gels to get relief.
8. Most importantly, talk to Dr. Davis. If your eyes are dry, or you’re having other eye-related issues, give us a call today at 817-778-4444 to schedule a checkup.