What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Manage Dry Eyes?

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects people of all ages. Whether your eyes feel gritty, burn throughout the day, or your vision fluctuates with blinking, dry eye symptoms can interfere with daily comfort and productivity. While professional care is essential for long-term relief, certain lifestyle changes can play a meaningful role in managing dry eyes and reducing flare-ups.

Understanding Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears or when tears evaporate too quickly. Common symptoms include:

• Burning, stinging, or scratchy sensations

• Redness or irritation

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Sensitivity to light

• Excessive tearing

• Eye fatigue, especially after screen use

One frequent underlying cause of dry eye is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD). These glands line the eyelids and produce oils that prevent tears from evaporating too quickly. When they become blocked or inflamed, dry eye symptoms often worsen.

Improve Your Screen Habits

Extended screen time reduces blink rate, which can worsen dryness. To help:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds

• Make a conscious effort to blink fully

• Adjust screens to eye level to reduce eyelid opening and tear evaporation

Optimize Your Environment

Dry indoor air can accelerate tear evaporation. Consider:

• Using a humidifier at home or work

• Avoiding direct airflow from fans, heaters, or air conditioning

• Wearing wraparound sunglasses outdoors to protect against wind

Support Eye Health Through Hydration and Nutrition

Dehydration can contribute to dry eyes. Drinking enough water throughout the day supports healthy tear production and overall eye comfort.

A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids may help improve tear quality and support Meibomian gland function. Foods such as fatty fish, flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts can be beneficial. Always talk to your eye doctor before starting supplements.

Practice Good Eyelid Hygiene

Keeping the eyelids clean can help reduce inflammation and manage MGD:

•          Gently clean eyelids with doctor-recommended lid cleansers

•          Use warm compresses to help loosen blocked oils in the glands

Be Mindful of Contact Lens Use

Contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye symptoms for some patients. Limiting wear time, switching lens types, or exploring alternative vision correction options may help.

When to See Your Eye Doctor for Dry Eye Relief

Lifestyle changes can help manage mild symptoms, but they may not address the root cause of chronic dry eye. You should schedule an eye exam if:

• Symptoms persist or worsen despite home care

• You experience frequent redness, burning, or blurry vision

• Artificial tears provide only temporary relief

• You suspect MGD or eyelid inflammation

At KM Eye Care, dry eye treatment goes beyond one-size-fits-all solutions. Your eye doctor can evaluate tear quality, gland function, and contributing factors to create a personalized treatment plan. Advanced treatment options may include in-office therapies designed to target Meibomian gland dysfunction, reduce inflammation, and restore tear balance.

Schedule a Dry Eye Evaluation at KM Eye Care

Managing dry eyes often starts with small lifestyle adjustments, but lasting relief depends on identifying the underlying cause. While hydration, screen habits, and environmental changes can help, chronic dry eye requires professional care and customized treatment.

If you’re struggling with dry, irritated eyes, KM Eye Care is here to help. We offer dry eye evaluations and personalized treatment options designed for lasting relief. Visit our office in Honolulu, Hawaii, call (808) 735-7633, or text (712) 214-7960 to book an appointment today.