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Relieving dry eyes
With age, your eyes make fewer tears. Less tears can lead to dry spots that irritate the eye and reduce vision. Some people produce normal amounts of tears, but the quality of fluid is poor. The tears lack essential components for eye lubrication.
Tears are more than just water. They’re a complex mixture that also includes fatty oils, proteins, electrolytes and bacteria-fighting substances. An exact mixture is necessary to keep the eye surface moist, smooth and clear. When the mix is off balance, tear fluid can evaporate too fast and dry the eye’s surface.
Like any liquid, tear fluid also evaporates when it’s exposed to air. To slow tear evaporation:
- Avoid air blowing in your eyes from hair dryers, car heaters, air conditioners or fans.
- Wear eyeglasses or sunglasses on windy days. Safety shields can be added to the tops and sides of glasses to block wind and dry air.
- Keep your home humidity between 30% and 50%.
- Take eye breaks during long tasks, such as reading, that require visual concentration. Close your eyes for a few minutes. Or blink repeatedly for a few seconds to help spread your tears evenly over your eyes.
- Position your computer screen below eye level. If the screen is above eye level, you need open your eyes wider to view the screen. You may be able to slow tear evaporation between eye blinks if you don’t have to open your eyes as wide.
- Be aware of your environment. The air at high altitudes, in desert areas and in airplanes can be extremely dry. When spending time in such an environment, frequently close your eyes for a few minutes to minimize tear evaporation.
- Stay away from people who smoke or from smoky environments as smoke can worsen symptoms of dry eyes.
- Use artificial tears regularly. Apply them even when your eyes feel fine to keep them well lubricated.
If these strategies don’t help, see your doctor. He or she can prescribe medications or other treatments to help conserve or increase tear production.
Do you have a different eye problem? Join the Eye Conditions group for conversations with others who may be experiencing the same eye issues that you are.
Keep in mind, practical health tips like this are par for the course with a subscription to Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
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@lacy2 Yes I'd want anything else but to lose my sight A friend has low vision due to M D She also has dialysis 3timrs a week. We use to do alot together now nothing .Have you seen a neurologist for your numbing? Wonder if the dental extractions have anything to do with it? Take care hope your day goes better
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1 Reaction@lioness Agree. Sorry about your friend. And dialysis on top of it.... . One of my ex therapists Mum low vision. and through my job with Seniors met quite a few...truly horrible. Even glaucoma and floaters and tiny spinning light from laser I have , will not complain when think of MD. And not so much complaining about all the other things but its an outllet to talk about things on this site isnt it? My husband has heard enough and my 2 adult girls... frustrated as they dont know what to say any more. Yes lioness been waiting quite a few months but neurologist doing a computer appointment Tuesday... Ihave a file of notes and stuff to tell him about since his phone call Sept 1 but now the notes seem confusing... my husband said: just tll him in two minutes what's wrong! Bad day today again but I "do" realize it is not as bad as many others are having, thats where the guilt comes in and say to myself, remove myself and let everyone else in the family stop having to listen to me! You are very kind and best wishes, J.
My ophthalmologist inserted tiny plugs in my lower tear duct. Amazing difference.
@gardeningjunkie oh how i wish many years ago i had taken this route rather than hundreds of otc dry eye drops daily for ovrf 15 years ... although i understand its either eyes not producing enough tears or tears disappearing too fast? too late for me now tho... best of luck and hope this solves your dry eye issue J.
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1 ReactionI think this is a helpful and informative comment about the importance of tears for eye health and ways to alleviate dry eyes. The suggestions provided, such as avoiding air blowing in the eyes, wearing eye protection, maintaining proper humidity levels, taking eye breaks, adjusting computer screen position, and using artificial tears, can all be effective in reducing dryness and discomfort. Additionally, it's important to see a doctor if these strategies do not improve symptoms, as they can prescribe medications or other treatments to help manage dry eyes. The suggestion to join an eye conditions group can also be a helpful resource for those looking to connect with others who may be experiencing similar issues. Thank you for this.