Dry eye is a common eye problem for many adults. It can have several root causes, including post-eye surgery side effects and the effects of some medications. Some illnesses can also cause dry eyes. No matter the cause, you still have to live with dry eyes as you treat the underlying issue. If you have dry eyes because of surgery, medication, illness, or even just from genetic predisposition, follow these tips for daily relief. 

1. Use lubricating eye drops. 

Eye drops temporarily relieve dry eye discomfort. However, many people with dry eyes might not use them as much they need to. Instead, they might rub their eyes or touch their eyes when their eyes become itchy or start to feel irritated. Every time you have the sensation that your eye is uncomfortable, use an eye drop instead of touching or rubbing your eye. Rubbing and touching can actually make eye irritation worse. 

2. Reduce your screen time.

When you use screens in your daily life, your eye symptoms can worsen. Staring at a screen reduces your instinct to blink normally, drying out your eye even more. If you work using the computer, you might need to remind yourself to blink every few seconds. Practice blinking more while you use a phone or tablet. Each hour, rest your eyes by looking at something different than your screen and put in eye drops every time you take a break. 

3. Protect your eyes from drying situations.

Situational exposures can make dry eyes worse. For example, if you enjoy swimming, always protect your eyes from the drying effects of chlorine and salt by wearing goggles in the water. If you run or hike outdoors in a dry climate, bring eye drops with you to help your eyes stay moist, especially when it is windy. 

4. Switch to glasses if you need vision correction. 

Wearing contacts can sometimes make dry eyes worse. Talk with your eye doctor at your next eye exam about lenses made for people who have dry eyes. A non-permeable lens might be a better fit for you, or daily wear lenses could be better as well. If you find that your eyes are always dry and irritated no matter what contacts you wear, stick with glasses full time until you can get your dry eye problems resolved. 

For more information on what you can do for your dry eyes or to schedule an eye exam, contact your eye doctor today.