July is dry eye awareness month! Due to COVID, you may be spending more time working from home. Increase in screen time is known to cause dry eye progression due to lack of blinking. In addition to using over-the-counter artificial tears, you can try these at-home remedies to tackle your dry eye symptoms. Just like brushing and flossing your teeth regularly, it’s important to have a daily regimen to maintain eye health.
EYELID WASH
It is important to maintain healthy eyelids to so your eyelids can produce healthy oil.
Recommendations:
Ocusoft Lid Scrub Foaming Eyelid Cleaner
ZocuFoam Eyelid Cleaner
Simply close your eyes and gently massage the eyelid cleaner on eyelid margin and eyelashes, and then rinse with warm water while keeping your eyes closed. Repeat this process 1-2 times daily.
ADD OMEGA-3 TO YOUR DIET
Studies suggest that omega 3-fatty acid supplements can help reduce dry eye symptoms. The omega-3 supplement helps the oil glands produce better quality oil. Medical grade dry eye blends are specially formulated for better absorption into your bloodstream, which allows them to be more effective.
Recommendations:
Nordic Natural Ultimate Omega
PRN – Physician Recommended Nutraceutical
WARM COMPRESSES
Warm compresses are designed to help open meibomian glands, and to liquefy the oils inside. This allows the oil to flow more freely from the glands into the tear film. It is recommended to use the warm compresses on daily basis for 7-10 minutes. You can use a warm wash cloth to do warm compresses or there are several microwavable heat masks that are readily available.
Recommendations:
Bruder Mask – Microwave 20-25 seconds and apply to closed eyes for 10 minutes daily. Make sure to check the temperature on the back of your hand to make sure it’s comfortable.
BLINKING EXERCISES
Lack of blinking or partial blinking can further clog the meibomian glands. It is recommended to do blinking exercises throughout the day to help push oils out and across the surface of the eye.
How to perform blinking exercises:
o Close your eyes completely.
o Squeeze your lids together. Do not scrunch your face or eyebrows.
o Open your eyes and relax your muscles.
o Repeat this process 10 times.
o Make sure to complete blinking exercises every hour or several times throughout the day.
At-home remedies can help alleviate mild dry eye symptoms. Dr. Kaur at Bonney Lake Family Eye Care specializes in diagnosis and management of dry eye disease.