Tips for Managing Dry Eye in Different Environments

Do you ever feel like your eyes are on fire, especially when stuck in an office or cruising at 30,000 feet? Dry eyes can hit you anywhere — at work, on a plane, or at home. But do not worry; there are ways to keep your eyes feeling comfortable, no matter where you are.
 

What Is Dry Eye Syndrome?

Imagine your eyes feeling like sandpaper every time you blink. Dry eye is when your eyes do not have enough tears to keep them moist and comfortable. Your eyes might feel itchy, scratchy, or even burn a bit. Sometimes, they get red and tired-looking too.
 

Keeping Your Eyes Fresh at Work

Office environments can be challenging for our eyes. The air conditioning, fluorescent lights, and endless screen time can all cause your eyes to feel dry. Here is a simple fix for office eye strain: Every 20 minutes, look at something far away for 20 seconds. It is like a quick eye break. Turn down your screen brightness, and do not forget to blink more. Also, use a small humidifier to moisten the air.
 

Combating Dry Eye at 30,000 Feet

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, and your eyes can bear the brunt of it. If you are about to jet off somewhere, bring some preservative-free eye drops. Use them every hour or so to keep your eyes feeling fresh.
 

Closing your eyes and gently massaging your eyelids can also help. It stimulates your tear glands and feels good, too.
 

Creating an Eye-Friendly Home Environment

Your home should be a safe space for your eyes. Well, this is not always the case. Central heating in winter can turn your cozy nest into a dry-eye danger zone. How much time you spend glued to your phones and TVs at home can affect your eyes, too.
 

Here is a tip for your eyes at home: Get some plants. They add moisture to the air and give your eyes something nice to look at. Before bed, try putting a warm, damp cloth on your eyes for a few minutes. It feels good and helps your eyes make tears.
 

Managing Dry Eye on the Go

You cannot always control your environment. But you can prepare for the worst. Put together a dry eye survival kit to carry with you. Artificial tears are a must-go for the preservative-free kind.
 

Throw in some omega-3 supplements; they are like superfoods for your eyes. And do not forget a pair of wrap-around sunglasses. They will protect your eyes from wind and dust when you are out and about.
 

Lifestyle Tweaks for Comfortable Eyes

Quick fixes are great, but daily habits matter most. Stay hydrated, but remember that coffee does not count. Your eyes need real water to stay moist. Eat foods with omega-3s, too, like fish, nuts, and seeds. They are good for your eyes.
 

It would also help to check your medications because some can dry out your eyes. If you think that is happening, talk to your doctor. There might be better options. Most importantly, do not skip eye checkups. Comprehensive eye exams can help your eye doctor catch problems early. You might also want to frequently close your eyes for several minutes to minimize tear evaporation.

Follow these tips, and your eyes will thank you. They work hard every day, so it is only fair to take proper care of them. Your future self will be glad you did.
 

For more on dry eyes, visit VisualEyes at our Tuscaloosa, Demopolis, or Fayette, Alabama, offices. Call 205-861-2020, 334-289-0466, or 205-932-5286 to schedule an appointment today.
 

https://www.healthline.com/health/dry-eye/managing-dry-eye-during-travel