Preventing dry eyes

By Lea Weeby
ST Mind Your Body
Friday, July 1, 2011 at 1:29am

TAKE EYE BREAKS

Reading, computer work, watching television and other activities which need visual concentration tend to make a person blink less. The tear film breaks up and the eyes become drier.

Adjust the book or the screen of the computer or television to slightly below eye level.

This allows the upper eyelid to close slightly and exposes less of the tear film for evaporation between blinks.

Close your eyes for about a minute every half hour and then open them again. This allows the tears to replenish.

Alternatively, blink repeatedly for a few seconds every half hour to help spread your tears evenly over your eye.

AVOID AIR CURRENTS

Air currents created by fans or air-conditioners dry up the tear film quickly.

Try not to let air blow directly into your eyes.

SUPPLEMENTS

Taking omega-3 supplements such as fish oil and flaxseed oil may help relieve dry eye symptoms for some people, by improving the quality of the oil produced in the tear film and, hence, preventing the film from evaporating too fast.

EYE DROPS

Choose eye drops which are preservative-free, especially if you are using them more than four times a day.

On the other hand, you could choose eye drops with better moisture-retaining ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

EYEWEAR

When swimming, wear goggles to protect your eyes from chemicals in pools as these can dry your eyes.

If you are wearing contact lenses, give them 'holidays' on week days or when you are at home - do not use the lenses.

ADOPT A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Leading a healthy lifestyle - exercising regularly, avoiding stress, not smoking and moderating your alcohol or caffeine intake - may help you to maintain a healthy tear film.

Sleep also allows the tear film to be replenished.

And keep yourself hydrated as dehydration may also lead to dry eyes.

Read more about dry eyes at: http://www.straitstimes.com/MindYourBody/InTheKnow/Story/STIStory_685305.html