Dry eyes may not only be uncomfortable, they may also put you at an elevated risk for infection. It is always a good idea to see your Salem eye doctor if you notice that you experience dry eye symptoms or a decreased production of tears. In the meantime, there are a few steps you can take in order to alleviate your symptoms and improve your comfort. Keep reading if you would like to learn about the common triggers for dry eyes and how to manage them.
Overexposure to Wind
You may be experiencing symptoms of dry eyes for a number of reasons. You might have a problem with your eyelids that makes it difficult to blink, or you may have low quality tears that are lacking in oil, water, or mucus . Whatever the reasons behind your symptoms are, it helps to avoid exposure to wind or dry air. This means that you should refrain from pointing a fan towards your face, and you might want to use your car’s air conditioner rather than roll down the windows throughout the summer. Wearing sunglasses or any other type of protective eyewear can also help to prevent uncomfortable exposure to air.
Medications
Your dry eye problem may also be stemming from a new medication regimen. While pharmaceuticals can be incredibly effective in alleviating symptoms of certain illnesses and disorders, higher dosages tend to lead to some sort of side effects. Dry eyes may result as a side effect of antidepressant medications, antihistamines, or drugs used in the treatment of acne and high blood pressure. Hormone replacement therapy patients may also potentially experience dry eyes as a side effect. Certain conditions themselves can cause dry eyes as well, like lupus, diabetes, and vitamin A deficiency.
Concentration
It is easy to get wrapped up in an important task, and you may want to chase your train of thought before you lose it. However, this type of uninterrupted concentration may lead to reduced blinking. This can in turn exaggerate dry eye symptoms and impair your comfort throughout the workday. Remember to take breaks every now and then so you can give your eyes a rest.