Avoiding Dry Eyes in the Desert
Like many other Coachella Valley residents, do you frequently suffer from dry eyes? Although this might not be a terribly debilitating condition, it can still take a toll on you and possibly even lead to more severe eye problems. At Millauskas Eye Institute, we want to ensure that you take the precautions necessary to help prevent dry eye. That is why we have provided the tips below on how you can prevent and alleviate dry eye.
Eye Drops – Eye drops will not completely resolve dry eyes but they can keep your eyes hydrated and free of dust and debris.
Avoid Rubbing – Rubbing your eyes is never a good idea. Some negative side effects of rubbing your eyes include the transmission of microbes and eye infections. Instead, it’s better to rinse your eyes with water.
Air Humidifiers – The Coachella Valley is very dry. Having an air humidifier at home can help to increase the moisture in the air, which helps to keep your eyes hydrated, reducing the risk of dry eye.
Quit Smoking / Avoid Smoke – Smoking can double the risk of developing macular degeneration and blindness, and it can also cause dry eye. Quitting this unhealthy habit is not only better for your overall health, it can help to keep your eyes healthy and well-lubricated.
Give Your Eyes A Break – Computer vision syndrome (CVS) is the term for eye problems related to looking at electronic screens. There are a number of factors that contribute to CVS, but a big one appears to be dry eyes. When we stare at our screens we blink less often than we normally do, causing our eyes to dry out. Make sure that you incorporate the 20-20-20 rule into your daily activities—for every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus on something that is 20 feet away from you. This simple routine will rest your eyes and keep them well lubricated.
Wear quality sunglasses – When outdoors during the day, always wear sunglasses that block 100 percent of the sun’s UV rays. It’s best if they feature a wrap-style frame to protect your eyes from wind, dust and other irritants that can cause or worsen dry eye symptoms.
For more information about how to avoid dry eye syndrome, or to schedule your yearly eye exam, call Milauskas Eye Institute at (760) 340-3937, or click here for more information and to request an appointment.
