7 useful tips to prevent dry eyes

All contact lens wearers have experienced dry eyes at some point. The irritation, burning, and squinting make getting through the day unbearable. One of the steps to take is to observe the situations you find yourself in when this occurs, as dry eyes can often be prevented when the right measures are taken. Here are 7 helpful tips to avoid dry eyes:

~Set your computer screen below eye level: When your screen is above your eye level, you tend to open your eyes wider to see the screen better. When your screen is lower you relax your eyes, which helps reduce dehydration from tears in your eyes.

~ Be aware of your surroundings: Whether you live in the mountains, in the desert, or are catching the next flight home, the air in these and many other areas can be very dry. Try to close your eyes more often to decrease the amount of moisture loss in your eyes. You can also carry an extra bottle of solution to re-wet your lenses if they are getting dry.

~Try to wear disposable wet contact lenses: These lenses contain more water content than traditional lenses, so they provide longer-lasting comfort throughout the day and, since they are disposable, they do not require maintenance. Simply throw away the dry lenses and put in a new pair. Wet contact lenses are also available for astigmatic and multifocal wearers.

~Think about wearing sunglasses: Consider wearing sunglasses, even when you normally wouldn’t, if you find that your eyes are getting dry more often than you’d like. Blocking the sun’s scorching rays and gusty winds will go a long way in keeping your eyes moist throughout the day.

~Avoid smoke or tuxedo: Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, but it’s also extremely bad for your eyes. Smoke may make contact lenses feel uncomfortable on your eyes, making them red, itchy, and irritated. This is because the smoke draws moisture from the surrounding air, thus drying out your contact lenses and your eyes at the same time. Smoking can also cause long-term harmful consequences for the eyes, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and even blindness.

~ Avoid blowing air directly into your eyes: Fans, air conditioners, car heaters, and hair dryers. Each of these, among many others, can dry out your lenses and eyes in minutes, making the rest of the day really unpleasant.

~Use eye drops regularly: If you have persistent dry eyes, be sure to use moisturizing drops even when it’s not dry. This will keep you ahead of the game and prevent unnecessary hassles later on. Consider using rewetting drops before removing your lenses. This will ensure that the lenses are well hydrated and therefore easier and safer to remove.

Proper maintenance of eye care is essential for healthy vision. While the above are great tips on how to prevent dry eyes, be sure to consult your eye doctor for proper instructions and proper fitting of glasses and contact lenses.