Combatting Dry Eye Syndrome: Strategies for Relief and Comfort

By: Xuan Thuy Nguyen

Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Dry
eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate.
too quickly. This can lead to irritation, redness, a gritty sensation, light sensitivity, and
even blurred vision. Various factors contribute to dry eyes, including aging, certain
medications, environmental conditions (such as dry air or wind), prolonged screen time,
and underlying health issues.
To alleviate dry eye symptoms and improve ocular comfort, consider implementing the
following strategies:

1. Use artificial tears:
Over-the-counter artificial tear drops can provide temporary relief by lubricating the
eyes and supplementing natural tear production. It's important to choose a preservative.
free drops for long-term use, as preservatives can irritate the eyes. Not all drops were
made equally! Consult with your optometrist to determine the most suitable eye drops.
for your specific needs.

2. Follow the 20-20-20 rule:
When engaged in prolonged screen time or activities that require visual attention, take
regular breaks. Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and focus on an object at
least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain and encourages
blinking, which aids in distributing tears across the ocular surface.

3. Maintain proper eye hygiene:
Keep your eyelids clean by establishing a healthy eyelid hygiene routine. This can
include using cleaning pads specifically designed for cleaning the lids, doing warm
compresses at least twice a day, removing make-up with water-based cleaners instead
of oil-based cleaners—all of these can help prevent blockage of the meibomian glands,
which are responsible for producing the oily component of tears.

4. Stay hydrated:
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to support overall hydration, including tear production.

5. Consider environmental modifications:
Use a humidifier to add moisture to indoor air, especially during dry weather or in heated
or air-conditioned environments. Avoid sleeping with the fan on or having the car AC
blasting directly into your face.

6. Medical management:

Prescription medications (such as topical cyclosporines, steroids, etc.) or procedures
(such as punctal plugs, light therapy, heat therapy, amnionic membranes, etc.) may be
necessary to manage severe dry eye. An optometrist can perform a comprehensive eye
exam to assess the severity of dry eye and recommend appropriate treatment options.