Dry eye symptoms can cause constant discomfort and temporarily impair your vision when unaddressed. It’s important to achieve relief, both for your own well-being and your long-term eye health. Fortunately, there are many eye care tips you can use at home to reduce symptoms of dry eyes. In addition to checking with your eye doctor about treatment options, the following three solutions will help you avoid eye discomfort.

3 Ways to Manage Dry Eyes

1. Warm Compress

If your glands and tear ducts are clogged and causing dry eye symptoms, you may be able to resolve the issue with a warm compress. Close your eyes and apply a warm rag for roughly 10 minutes. This should soften the blockages or swelling so tears can pass. Try doing this twice a day.

2. Eye Drops

You need to keep your eyes moist to prevent inflammation and pain, so keep a bottle of artificial tears handy. These drops will lubricate your eyes in the same way as naturally produced tears. It’s best to always speak with your eye care professional about preferred brands, as cheaply made products may worsen symptoms or harm your eyes.

3. Blinking

If dry eyes are a side effect of looking at a screen, especially if you’re working at a computer, try blinking more often. Your eyes will dry out when you stare for long periods, since it’s easier to go without blinking when you’re distracted by a screen. By blinking, you're coating your eyes in a layer of liquid. If dry eye symptoms become more common, speak with an eye care professional for an official diagnosis.

If you’re overdue for an eye exam, contact Spencerport Optical. Based in Spencerport, NY, these professionals bring over 32 years of experience to their patients and offer a variety of eye care services. They treat and manage diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration and provide corrective eyeglasses and contact lenses. Call (585) 352-1960 to schedule an eye exam and visit their website to learn more about their eye care practice.