Moist Your Eyes

Tips to Help and Prevent Dry Eyes

Do your eyes feel dry, rough, or irritated? Does it feel like you have sand in your eyes? Do they itch? Mine do. I wear contacts and once in a while my eyes will get real dry and irritated. Try these tips to help alleviate dry eyes and make your eyes feel better. Some of these tips help me.

Quick Fixes - Minor Irritation

The first line of treatment for dry eyes is over-the-counter demulcent drops, also known as artificial tears. These will help “moist your eyes” (I couldn’t resist). Here is a list of common eye lubricants that can ease minor dry eye symptoms:

1. Systane Lubricant Eye Drops
2. Genteal eye drops
3. Bion Tears
4. Thera Tears
5. Similasan - Dry Eye Relief

Prescription Strength:

If over-the-counter remedies don’t work for you; consult your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist. They may prescribe the following prescription remedy:

1. Restasis - Allergan, approved by the FDA

Special Cases - Allergies, Contact Lenses

There are many things that can cause dry eyes, such as allergies or contact lenses. Try these products if you have allergies or use contact lenses:

1. Alaway - Antihistamine Allergy Eye Drops - Bausch & Lomb
2. Zaditor - Antihistamine Allergy Eye Drops - Novartis
3. Similasan - Allergy Eye Relief eye drops
4. Refresh Contacts - rewetting solution for contacts
5. Clerz Plus - rewetting solution for contacts
6. Opti-Free RepleniSH - I use this one for my contacts

If you wear contact lenses and you consistently have dry eye problems you may want to consider changing the type of contacts you use. I’ve read that Acuvue Oasis and Proclear Compatibles get top rated reviews for dry eyes by wearers.

If All Else Fails:

You may want to consider punctal plugs. Basically the eye doctor will plug the openings in your eyes that drains tears into the tear ducts. This is usually used for moderate or severe dry eye symptoms when other medical treatment does not work. You can try this solution by using temporary plugs first.

Long Term Prevention:

It should go without saying but many people are guilty of not doing it; eat a well balanced diet and get regular exercise. It is the best way to give your body all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

1. Eat a well balanced diet
2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables! Carrots are loaded with beta carotene which is essential for maintaining healthy eyes
3. Get plenty of sleep (your eyes need resting too)
4. Drink lots of water
5. If you smoke, STOP!
6. Eat fish, flax seed oil or fish oil supplements
7. Get enough Vitamin E, Zinc, Antioxidants, or use Eye Vitamins
8. If you stare at a computer screen regularly, take breaks and remember to blink often. Go ahead take a break right now. You deserve it!