Depending on your condition, your ophthalmologist may recommend a specific type of drops.
Signs of dry eye, such as discomfort, irritation or blurred vision, are a common problem due to prolonged use of phones and laptops in recent years.
Dry eyes have become a common problem, where the eyes do not produce enough tears or have enough moisture to be healthy and function properly. Your eyes can be damaged and it can be a very uncomfortable feeling, especially when you want to sleep. An appointment for an eye exam should be scheduled when a person experiences severe symptoms that have never occurred before.
Signs of dry eye, such as discomfort, irritation or blurred vision, are a common problem due to prolonged use of phones and laptops in recent years. While the internet is full of various remedies, content creator Allan Mandell suggests a simple solution: blink for one minute to help relieve dry eye symptoms.
Mandell explains that spending long hours looking at screens or being in dry environments can cause us to blink less, leading to dry, irritated eyes. She suggests that intentionally practicing blinking exercises can help open the meibomian glands, which are small oil-producing glands located on the top of the eyelids and are crucial for keeping the eyes moist. This simple act can spread tears evenly over the surface, preventing dryness and discomfort. According to Mandell, “Gently close your eyes for a few seconds. Open them, open them wide. Blinks rapidly. Simply start blinking, stimulating tear production to keep your eyes well lubricated. I hope this helps make it a great day.”
Let's explore how you can minimize or prevent dry eye symptoms:
Eye drops
It is one of the most common treatments for dry eyes. Depending on your condition, your ophthalmologist may recommend a specific type of drops. Not all eye drops are the same and it is important to use preservative-free drops as they are often more effective for the eyes.
warm compress
Use a warm eye mask on closed eyelids in the morning and evening. These masks can be heated in the microwave. Hold it gently on closed eyelids for a few minutes, then blink vigorously several times to distribute moisture.
Remove contacts before sleeping
Unless your contact lenses are designed to be worn overnight, always remove them before going to bed. Removing them earlier than usual can give your eyes enough time to breathe.
Keep hydrated
Dehydration is another reason that could cause dry eyes. Drinking at least one glass of water throughout the day can help keep your eyes hydrated.
Follow the 20-20-20 rule
The screens of our phones or laptops put pressure on our eyes. To prevent dryness, every 20 minutes of screen time, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on an object at least 20 feet away to relax them.
