What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Alleviate Dry Eye Symptoms?

Dry eye is a common concern for many residents in Princeton and throughout New Jersey, especially with seasonal changes, screen-heavy lifestyles, and time spent indoors during cold winters or allergy-prone springs. If your eyes often feel dry, gritty, or irritated, you're not alone. Dry eye occurs when your eyes do not produce enough quality tears, leading to discomfort and sometimes even blurred vision.

What is Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to symptoms like stinging, burning, redness, blurred vision, and a gritty or sandy feeling in the eyes. While occasional dry eye may be mild and temporary, for many people it becomes a persistent and frustrating issue that affects daily comfort and vision. Fortunately, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce dry eye symptoms and improve overall eye health.

Helpful Lifestyle Strategies for Managing Dry Eye

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Digital screens are one of the leading causes of dry eye symptoms. To minimize eye strain and support tear production, take a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Use a Humidifier: Dry indoor environments, especially those with air conditioning or heating, can worsen dry eye. Using a humidifier adds moisture to the air and helps prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day supports overall tear production. Dehydration can make symptoms worse, so aim for at least eight glasses of water daily.

• Wear Sunglasses Outdoors: Wind, dust, and sunlight can irritate your eyes and accelerate tear evaporation. Wraparound sunglasses offer protection and help keep your eyes more comfortable in outdoor conditions.

• Eat an Eye-Friendly Diet: Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, can support tear quality and reduce inflammation. A balanced diet with leafy greens, colorful fruits, and antioxidant-rich foods also benefits your eyes.

• Use Artificial Tears Wisely: Over-the-counter lubricating drops can offer temporary relief, but not all eye drops are the same. Choose preservative-free artificial tears and avoid redness-reducing drops, which can worsen symptoms over time.

When to See an Eye Doctor

While lifestyle changes can be effective for mild cases of dry eye, persistent or severe symptoms may require a more targeted approach. At Eye Care Associates of Princeton, we offer advanced diagnostic tools and treatment options tailored to your needs. One of the most innovative therapies available is Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) treatment. IPL helps reduce inflammation around the eyelids and improves the function of the meibomian glands, which play a key role in maintaining a healthy tear film.

If you experience ongoing discomfort, blurry vision, or irritation that does not improve with home care, it’s time to schedule a professional dry eye evaluation. Early treatment can prevent complications and significantly improve your quality of life.

Get Started at Eye Care Associates of Princeton

Dry eye can disrupt your day-to-day life, but with the right lifestyle changes and support from your eye care team, relief is within reach. By adopting healthy habits and seeking advanced care when needed, you can protect your vision and keep your eyes feeling comfortable.
 

Schedule your dry eye evaluation with Eye Care Associates of Princeton and take the first step toward lasting relief. Visit our office in Princeton, New Jersey, by call (609) 536-1017 to book an appointment today.