Dry eye syndrome is a prevalent condition. It can be triggered for several reasons and is common in older adults and women experiencing hormonal changes due to pregnancy or menopause.
It can also be associated with a variety of health conditions. But one common cause of dry eye is environmental.
In those cases, if having dry eyes is due to your environment, it becomes preventable. During the warmer summer months, it’s easy to get dry eyes if you aren’t taking the proper precautions. Keep reading to learn about a few ways you can keep your eyes from getting too dry this season!
Nutrition
You may know that certain vitamins are good for your eyesight. Certain nutrients are also helpful for regulating tear production.
Sometimes, when you aren’t getting enough of those nutrients, you can get dry eye syndrome. One way to prevent this is by taking nutritional supplements, namely those containing omega-3 fatty acids like fish oil or flaxseed oil.
You can also try to get more of these nutrients in your diet, as getting them directly from your food helps make them more effective. Make sure you eat plenty of fish and seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or even walnuts for better tear production.
Also, try to eat dark leafy greens, which contain other nutrients that help with lubricating your eyes and keeping them moisturized.
Hydration
One big reason people tend to get dry eyes when it’s hot out is due to dehydration. Getting enough water isn’t just crucial for your eye health, but it’s good for your whole body.
Be sure to drink plenty of water as well as other more hydrating beverages that contain electrolytes, especially when you’re out in the heat for a long time or being physically active.
Sun Protection
Prolonged exposure to sunlight can be harmful to your eyes in many ways. Not only can it dry out your eyes, but it can cause what’s essentially a sunburn on the surface of your eye.
Overexposure to the UV rays from the sun can also increase your risk for eye-related diseases like cataracts and even cancer. The best way to keep your eyes safe is to wear sunglasses.
Be sure when buying sunglasses that they’re marked with a sticker or tag that says they block out at least 99% of UV rays. In addition to sunglasses, you can also wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face. When you’re staying outside for a long time, always wear sunglasses and stick to the shade whenever possible.
Adjust Your Environment
Being in the heat for too long, particularly in an arid environment, is a sure way to dry out your eyes. But being inside with the AC on can also dry out your eyes.
You can limit this effect by keeping the AC off when you can or using a humidifier to make sure the air doesn’t get too dry at home or your place of work. If you are using the AC, try not to sit near a vent. If you use a fan, make sure it isn’t aimed towards your face, especially when you’re sleeping.
If it feels like your eyes are dry and irritated, get ahead of dry eye syndrome by scheduling an appointment at Shepherd Eye Center in Las Vegas, NV, today!
