Do you spend a lot of time at your computer? If so, you probably have had at least one episode of dry eyes. Some people suffer from dry eye discomfort on a daily basis. Studies show that at least half of us are coping with dry, itchy, irritated eyes. This can create problems reading computer screens and books. It can even lead to infections.
I have had dry eye problems for several years. Working at a computer for most of the day for my job and then in the evenings for my business has sometimes been difficult. I have tried all kinds of drops from over-the-counter to prescriptions from the eye doctor. I have done eye exercises and used reading glasses. I have found there are a few things everyone can easily do to help dry eye discomfort.
Some tips for combating dry eye discomfort.
Nourishing Eye Drops Drops that contain tissue-soothing vitamin A alleviates dry eyes faster and prevents complications like blurred vision as well as pricier drops. You can apply one drop to each eye two to six times a day.
Coffee Did you know that drinking one cup of caffeinated coffee can stimulate the nerves to significantly increase moisture production within an hour and the improvement lasts several hours. Supposedly caffeine tablets have the same effect.
Sugar Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame can cause a dry gritty feeling in your eyes. Aspartame irritates blood vessels that moisturize the eyes. Use a spoonful of sugar instead. Just remember that more than 10 tsp. of sugar per day can increase the chance of dry eyes.
Warm Wet Washcloths Hold a warm, wet washcloth to your eyes for at least 10 mnutes daily to ensure the oil-glands in your eyelids are not clogged. These glands providea thin protective layer of oil that mixes with tears. When the glands become clogged with hardened oil, you have very watery tears that evaporate quickly.
Rest Last but not least, make sure you are getting sufficient sleep at night. At least seven hours should be the norm. Also when working at a computer or reading, take breaks at least once an hour and rest your eyes.
These sound like simple things, but they can make a world of difference to your eyes and the comfort you experience with dry eyes.
Do you have any other tips to add to help combat dry eyes? Please leave your tips in the comments below.
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Hello Robin, thanks for the tips… my eyes burn just as I type… and I am just so delighted to know that COFFEE CAN HELP!!!! woo hoo!!!
Thank you for the tips!!!
Hi Robin,
Great tips! I am vision-impaired so my eyes are even more susceptible to eye strain. I have to enlarge the screen several times to read regular print. =) I love your idea of putting a (I assume hot) washcloth on your eyes for ten minutes per day. When I was receiving holistic treatment, the patients received what was termed “eye soaks,” and that was very similar. The doctor would soak cotton balls in nutrition-laden ingredients. She would then tape them under our eyes and we lay still for about four hours waiting for the nutrients to absorb. We also learned how to do “eye exercises” to increase the strength of our muscles to see farther. Great treatment! I’m going to try some of your tips and if they work for me, I’ll recommend them in a vision support group of mine on Facebook.
Thanks so much!
Amy