Dry Eye Syndrome Self-Care: Eyelid Hygiene, Nutrition, Daily Habits – Everyday Health

Get the latest information on the causes of dry eye, as well as the symptoms to look for and the latest treatment options. Expert tips can help you manage discomfort, improve eye health, and keep your eyes moist.
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Over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications can help, and self-care habits can make a difference, too.
Proceed with caution with home remedies, though. Esen K. Akpek, MD, a professor of ophthalmology and rheumatology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, advises consulting your doctor before you try any home remedies for dry eye.
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Check with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re doing this safely. “There are patients who apply heat several times a day, because it makes their eyes feel better. They may think the more, the better. But too much heat can negatively impact the biomechanics of the cornea and cause vision issues,” says Dr. Akpek. It can also damage sensitive skin around the eyes if overused.
Apply a warm compress or heat mask to the eyes for 10 minutes.
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Hydration and a varied diet are crucial for all aspects of your well-being, and eye health is no exception. Water makes up a significant portion of tears along with the oils that prevent dry eye.
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Your eyes need vitamins and other nutrients to stay healthy. Foods that provide these nutrients can help keep your eyes healthy and may help you manage or prevent dry eye.
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To minimize these factors, try the following tips.
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Various drugs can cause dry eye, according to John Hovanesian, MD, an ophthalmologist at Harvard Eye Associates in Laguna Hills, California.
These medications include:
If you’re using medications for other conditions, ask your doctor to review your prescription. They may be able to change your drugs or your dosage.
If dry eye is affecting your daily life, or if your symptoms are worsening despite using home remedies and over-the-counter treatments, you may need to see a doctor.
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Dry eye can affect your quality of life. It can impact your mental health and leave you feeling isolated. Connecting with others may help you manage or live better with dry eye.
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Yvette Brazier's career has focused on language, communication, and content production, particularly in health education and information. From 2005 to 2015, she supported learning in the health science department of a higher education establishment, teaching the language of health, research, and other language application skills to paramedic, pharmacy, and medical imaging students.
From 2015 to 2023, Yvette worked as a health information editor at Medical News Today and Healthline. Yvette is now a freelance writer and editor, preparing content for Everyday Health, Medical News Today, and other health information providers.
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