Lifestyle Changes to Help Manage Dry Eye: Simple Tips for Better Comfort

Dry eye is a common and often frustrating condition, especially for residents of Vincennes. Whether it’s a constant scratchy feeling, blurry vision, or sensitivity to light, dry eyes can significantly impact your quality of life. While medical treatments are available, making a few simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in managing symptoms and improving eye comfort.

Why Is Dry Eye So Common?

Vincennes experiences a range of seasonal changes that can contribute to dry eye symptoms. Cold winters with dry indoor heating, windy days, and seasonal allergens all play a role. In addition, modern lifestyle habits—such as prolonged screen time, reduced outdoor exposure, and dehydration—can further aggravate dry eye.

One of the most common underlying causes is meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), a condition where the oil-producing glands in the eyelids become blocked or don’t function properly, leading to faster tear evaporation. With a combination of environmental, behavioral, and physiological triggers, it’s no surprise that many

Simple Lifestyle Changes to Improve Dry Eye

If you're struggling with dry eyes, here are some easy adjustments you can make to find relief:

•         Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Dehydration reduces tear production and can worsen symptoms. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily.

•         Blink More Often: Staring at screens reduces your blink rate, which leads to faster evaporation of tears. Make a conscious effort to blink more often, especially during long work or study sessions.

•         Use a Humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home, particularly during winter, helps prevent your eyes from drying out due to indoor heating systems.

•         Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Wearing wraparound sunglasses protects your eyes from wind, sun, and dust—all of which can dry out your eyes.

•         Take Frequent Screen Breaks: Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a chance to relax and rehydrate.

•         Improve Your Diet: Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts support healthy tear production. Supplements may also be helpful, but always consult your doctor first.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If lifestyle changes aren’t bringing enough relief, it’s time to schedule a professional eye exam. At Quick Vision, we offer advanced dry eye treatments, including OptiLight IPL and OptiPlus therapy. These innovative technologies target the root cause of dry eye—often linked to meibomian gland dysfunction—offering long-lasting relief beyond what over-the-counter drops can provide. Chronic dry eye should not be ignored, as it can lead to long-term damage if left untreated. We will evaluate your symptoms and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your needs.

Achieve Dry Eye Relief at Quick Vision

Dry eye can be persistent, but you don’t have to suffer in silence. By making simple changes to your daily routine and seeking professional care when needed, you can protect your vision and enjoy better day-to-day comfort.

Schedule your dry eye evaluation at Quick Vision to explore options like OptiLight IPL and OptiPlus therapy. Visit our office in Vincennes, Indiana, or call (812) 255-0559 to book an appointment today.