What is a healthy eye?
Wherever you find yourself and whatever the task at hand, well-hydrated eyes can help keep you going. Here are some helpful tips to help you address dry eyes:
Be mindful of your environment
Given Canada’s diverse weather conditions, it’s important to consider how temperature, wind, low humidity, and dry environments can affect your eyes and prepare accordingly. On windy days, consider wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes. If you’ll be spending extended periods in an air-conditioned room, having lubricating eye drops handy can be beneficial. Additionally, using a humidifier indoors can help counteract the dryness caused by low humidity.
Prepare for various travel conditions
Plane travel can bring about dry eye symptoms due to changes in pressure, reduced oxygen levels, and low humidity. Remember to pack lubricating eye drops in your carry-on! If you’re opting for a road trip instead and are prone to dry eyes, consider keeping the windows closed and adjusting the temperature settings to avoid discomfort — redirecting vents away from your face may also be helpful.
Eat nutrient-rich foods or supplements
Eye-friendly nutrients contribute to good eye health and can even help reduce the risk of certain eye diseases. For dry eye, specifically, foods rich in vitamin A help your retina work properly and provide moisture to the eyes. Omega-3 fatty acids help with tear function too and can be found in fish like salmon, tuna, and halibut.
This information can be found in the TFOS DEWS II Report regarding Nutrient Recommendation
Take regular breaks from your digital devices
Following 20-20-20 rule can be beneficial for your eyes: Take a 20-second break to look 20 feet away every 20 minutes. Take it up a notch by blinking 20 times to provide your eyes with an extra bit of care. When working on a computer, ensure the screen is positioned 20-28 inches from your face and slightly below eye level.
https://opto.ca/eye-health-library/20-20-20-rule
Remember to blink!
The act of blinking cleanses the surface of your eyes and replenishes them with new tears. So, remember to blink! It aids in moisturizing and soothing your eyes. If you’re experiencing fatigue or dryness, consider closing your eyes for a minute for a quick refresher.
