Dry eye is a common condition that affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears, or the tears evaporate too quickly, leaving the eyes feeling dry, itchy, and irritated.

While there are several remedies available, many do not provide long-term relief. To beat dry eye for good, it’s essential to understand the root cause of the problem and take steps to address it. Here are ten secrets to help you beat dry eye for good.

1. Keep Your Eyes Clean

One of the most common causes of dry eye is poor hygiene. When dirt and debris accumulate on the eyelids and eyelashes, it can block the glands that produce tears, leading to reduced tear production.

To keep your eyes clean, use a gentle cleanser to wash your eyelids and lashes each day. A good option is to use a formula specifically designed for this purpose, such as OcuSoft Lid Scrub Plus.

2. Use Artificial Tears

If your eyes are dry and uncomfortable, using artificial tears can help provide temporary relief. These drops work by lubricating the eyes, helping to reduce dryness and irritation.

Look for preservative-free formulas, as these are less likely to cause further irritation. A few good options include Systane Ultra, Refresh Optive, and TheraTears.

3. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can cause dry eye, as the body may not produce enough tears to keep the eyes moist. To prevent this from happening, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day.

Aim for at least eight glasses of water per day, and more if you engage in rigorous exercise or live in a hot, dry climate.

4. Use a Humidifier

Dry indoor air can aggravate dry eye symptoms. Using a humidifier can help add moisture to the air, which can help keep your eyes hydrated and comfortable.

Place a humidifier in the room where you spend the most time, such as your bedroom or home office, and run it throughout the day.

5. Take Omega-3 Supplements

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce dry eye symptoms. Taking a daily omega-3 supplement, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, may help improve tear production and reduce dryness in the eyes.

Aim for at least 1000 mg of EPA/DHA per day.

6. Eat a Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also help keep your eyes healthy.

Include plenty of leafy greens, fruits, and vegetables in your diet, as these foods contain nutrients that are vital for eye health, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and lutein. Avoid consuming too much caffeine or alcohol, as these substances can dehydrate the body and exacerbate dry eye symptoms.

7. Protect Your Eyes

Exposure to UV rays, wind, and dust can all contribute to dry eye symptoms.

Be sure to wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors, and use protective eyewear when engaging in activities that may expose your eyes to wind or dust, such as cycling or woodworking.

8. Rest Your Eyes

Staring at a computer or phone screen for extended periods can strain the eyes and worsen dry eye symptoms. To prevent this from happening, take frequent breaks throughout the day to look away from your screen and rest your eyes.

Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

9. Seek Medical Treatment

If your dry eye symptoms persist despite these remedies, it may be time to seek medical treatment. An eye doctor can perform an exam to determine the underlying cause of your dry eye and develop a treatment plan.

Some options may include prescription eye drops, punctal plugs to block tear drainage, or intense pulsed light therapy to reduce inflammation in the tear glands.

10. Practice Good Sleep Hygiene

Poor sleep habits can also contribute to dry eye symptoms.

To ensure your eyes get the rest they need, maintain good sleep hygiene habits, such as going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, limiting screen time before bed, and creating a relaxing environment in your bedroom.