If you’re suffering from dry eyes, there’s no doubt you want to find relief immediately. For this, there are multiple remedies you can try, including using a warm compress on your eyelids and gently massaging them.
However, some practices can still make your first aid treatments ineffective. This article will cover things you should not be doing when struggling with dry eyes.
Using the Wrong Kind of Eye Drops
Artificial tears replace the ones your eyes can’t produce and relieve the discomfort caused by dry eyes. However, you should avoid eye drops that promise to eliminate redness as they contain chemicals that shrink the blood vessels in your eyes.
Smoking
Cigarettes don’t just affect your lungs, they’re also bad for your eyes. By smoking consistently or being around smoke, you can make your eyes sting, burn, and feel scratchy.
Go Outside Without Shades
Your dry eyes need protection from the wind and sun. As such, choose sunglasses that fit close to your face and have side frames. You should also wear them constantly, not just when it’s sunny.
Looking At The Screen Too Long
If you stare at screens for most of the day, giving your eyes a break is essential. To do this, practice the 20/20/20 rule, i.e., take a 20-second break every 20 minutes and look at something 20 feet away.
You should also ensure your monitor is in the right place, which is at or below eye level, so you don’t strain your eyes.
Not Blinking Enough
Blinking is suitable for your eyes as it spreads your tears evenly across them. As such, blink more often when you’re using the computer, driving, reading, or watching television. You should also blink less when you’re focused on something.
Wearing Eye Makeup
Eyeliner and mascara can obstruct the glands in your eyelids that produce tears. This can cause pain and swelling and also get bacteria into your eye.
Skimp On Liquids
Your eyes can dry out if you don’t drink enough water. To fix this, you can try drinking 8 to 10 glasses a day. If you find it hard to drink that much water, go for foods with a high liquid content, such as lettuce, watermelon, and tomatoes.
Conclusion
Dry eye is a condition you want to get rid of as soon as possible. By avoiding the issues mentioned above, you can improve treatments’ effectiveness and quickly recover.
