Tips and recommendations

The first step is to use a humidifier at home, especially in the bedroom next to your bed during the winter months. In Canada, our homes are heated primarily by electricity which has the effect of drying the air. If you purchase a hygrometer and you measure the relative humidity, you will find that it can sometimes be as low as 15%. Personally, I use my humidifier every night and I manage to keep the humidity around 40%. I prefer the warm mist humidifiers, but it is a matter of personal choice.

Also, please note that several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of fish oil and flaxseed oil on dry eyes. In fact, they contain omega 3 that have an anti-inflammatory effect on the ocular surface and helps to stabilize the tear film. Be aware, however, that it may take several weeks before you can see any improvement from omega 3.

Also remember to reduce your caffeine intake and increase the amount of water you drink per day. If you smoke, simply stop this bad habit. It is not just bad for your eyes but for your overall health.

In the car, it is important not to direct hot air toward your eyes as the automobile heated air is particularly dry. Use heating and a/c to a minimum. If you must use heat on the windshield to defog your windshield, remember to open the window slightly to allow cool moist air into the cabin.

Computer work is particularly irritating for dry eyes. Remember to take frequent breaks and use artificial tears. When you take a break, look far away to change your focus. Also remember to blink the eyes regularly because it has been shown that computer work significantly reduces the number of blinks per minute.

When we sleep, and our eyes are closed, our eyes recover and regenerate as they are not exposed to the elements. So think about getting enough sleep. If your symptoms of dry eyes are important or if you tend to have very dry eyes at night, use a sleeping mask such as the AlphaEye Dry eye relief.

I also noticed (in my case anyway) that the stress and anxiety tend to aggravate the symptoms. View to control your level of stress and anxiety. Do exercice on a regular basis can only be beneficial.

Often people who have dry eyes waits to be in a acute symptoms mode to apply compresses, artificial tears and using the night mask. Once they get the improvement that they were desesperatly seeking, these same people stop taking care of their eyes and they just stop to take care of their eyes. Do not be one of these people! Dry eyes is usually a chronic condition and it can take several days to see results when trying something new. That being said, apply your compresses, artificial tears and use your mask at night every day and do not stop your good habits as soon as you get better.

Finally, the best advice I can give you is to see your doctor … and especially follow his recommendations. Also see your optometrist at least once a year. Many pharmaceutical companies are conducting research on dry eye. New treatments are available each year. Your doctor can advise you on options such as Lipiflow, Restasis, Tetracyclines, Corticosteroids, Azasite, etc.. You will not find these products in my shop because they are prescription products and require medical attention.