How to Prevent Dry Eye This Spring

Winter is almost over, and soon it will be spring! Before you know it, grass, plants, and beautiful flowers will be coming back to life. 

All this new life comes with pollen that causes seasonal allergies in many people. Do your eyes feel irritated during pollen season? 

Keep reading to learn some tips on how you can prevent dry eye this spring!

Help Keep Your Eyes Lubricated

The dry air inside and the crisp cool air outside can cause your eye to become more dry than average. Blooming plants and flowers emit allergens that can also irritate your eyes and nose. 

One thing you can do to make sure your eyes are moist is to drink enough fluids. Ensuring your eyes are adequately lubricated will allow your natural tears to help protect against these irritants. 

The goal is to stay hydrated, and once you are, you’ll notice how different your body feels. Another thing you can do is increase your intake of vitamin A and omega-3 fatty acids. 

You can easily do this by adding a few healthy snacks like walnuts, carrots, or broccoli into your daily routine. You can also buy humidifiers place them in the rooms where you spend the most time. 

A humidifier will add moisture into the air and help prevent your eyes from becoming irritated and dry. Also, make sure to use artificial tear eye drops when you feel that they are becoming dry, itchy, or red.

Always Protect Your Eyes  

Another important way that you can help prevent dry eye is by continuously protecting your eyes. Wear UV sunglasses when you’re going to be outside for long periods, even on days that are cloudy or overcast. 

Without protection on your eyes, the sun’s rays can irritate the surface of your eyes. Wear protective eyewear if you play combat sports or work around dust, debris, or other small particles that can easily get into your eyes. 

If you spend long periods of time staring at a computer screen, you may be at risk for dry and irritated eyes. You can help avoid these symptoms by doing blinking exercises to ensure your eyes are lubricated.  

If you wear contact lenses and experience frequent allergies, make sure to change them periodically. If you don’t wear daily contact lenses, talking to your eye doctor about switching to them may be helpful. 

Practice good hygiene and always wash your hands before touching your eyes and face. Be mindful of rubbing your eyes since this can allow potential irritants into your eyes.

Get Regular Eye Exams  

It is essential to visit your eye doctor for regular eye exams in order to maintain the health of your eyes. Depending on your eye history, family history, and age, you may need to see your eye doctor once a year or more frequently. 

During a complete exam, your eye doctor will test your vision and examine the health of your eyes. They will also ask you about your family history, medications, and general health. 

If you suffer from dry eye, it is important to tell your eye doctor about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your eye doctor can help determine what is causing your dry eye and create a treatment plan for you. 

Some of these tips may help alleviate some of your dry eye symptoms during the spring pollen season. If you feel that your dry eyes are worsening or not improving, visit your eye doctor to get a customized treatment plan.

Do you want to learn more about how you can limit dry eye symptoms this spring? Schedule an appointment at Vision Care of Maine in Bangor, ME, today!