Dry eyes are often caused by a lack of tears, or tears that dry up too quickly to lubricate the eyes efficiently. When you suffer from dry eyes, your eyes might feel tired and gritty, or they might sting and cause you pain. While your doctor or ophthalmologist can prescribe medicated drops to help increase tear production, you might want to explore some of the other ways to refresh your dry eyes naturally.
Step 1
Keep a bottle of eye drops, called artificial tears, with you at all times. Artificial tears can help add lubrication to your eyes when you need them to feel refreshed. To apply, tilt your head back and carefully place one drop near the tear duct of each eye. Blink several times to distribute the tears evenly to relieve that scratchy, stinging sensation common in those with dry eyes.
Step 2
Install a humidifier in the rooms you are in most often. Whether you suffer from dry eyes while at your office or while in your home, a humidifier can help moisten the air to lessen the severity of your dry eyes. If you live in a dry climate, it's more likely that you'll need a humidifier to help combat your dry eye symptoms.
Step 3
Blink and make a point to rest your eyes often throughout the day. One technique that can help you rest your eyes is known as "palming." Rest your elbows on a flat surface, like a desk. Place your palms over your eyes and press gently, sealing out all light. Leave your palms over your eyes for about 30 seconds before removing. Blink several times, and your eyes should feel refreshed and moistened.
Step 4
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any medications that you might be taking. Certain medications can dry out the eyes. If your medication is causing a problem, your doctor might suggest a different type of medication. Once you switch, you should see an immediate improvement in the dryness of your eyes.
Step 5
Schedule an appointment with your ophthalmologist if lifestyle changes don't seem to remedy your dry-eye problems. A procedure can be done to place silicone, or gel-like plugs, in the tear ducts where tears tend to drain, notes the American Optometric Association. This can help to conserve your tears for a long-term solution to your dry-eye problems.
Things You'll Need
- Artificial tears
- Humidifier
