15 Effective ways to care for your eyes during dry weather

Dry weather, particularly in the late months of the year, not only affects your skin but can also lead to eye problems, with dry eye being the most common. According to statistics, 4 to 8 million Vietnamese people experience dry eye to varying degrees. Therefore, this article provides you with 15 effective remedies to care for your eyes, keeping them healthy and comfortable.

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Causes and risk factors of dry eye

Dry eye occurs when tear production is insufficient or tears evaporate too quickly, depriving the eyes of necessary moisture. This condition is particularly common among:

Office workers: Those who spend long hours working on computers in air-conditioned environments.
Older adults: Aging reduces tear production.
People exposed to dry or polluted environments: Strong winds, dust, and dry air increase the risk of dry eye.

Working for hours on end with the computer, work pressure, etc. are the causes of dry and tired eyes. Source: Internet

If left untreated, this condition may lead to chronic eye fatigue, surface inflammation, or even permanent vision damage.

15 Effective eye care tips

1. Clean your eyelids and lashes

Maintaining clean eyelids is the first step in reducing dry eye symptoms. Use warm water and a gentle cleanser to clean the eyelids and lashes. This removes dirt, excess oil, and makeup, reducing the risk of irritation.

2. Rest your eyes regularly

Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at an object 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. This helps relieve eye strain and prevents dryness caused by prolonged computer use.

3. Limit exposure to blue light

Blue light from electronic devices can damage the epithelial cells in the eyes and increase the risk of dry eye. Adjust screen brightness appropriately and use blue light-blocking glasses when necessary to reduce harmful effects.

4. Adjust screen brightness and position

Place your screen 50-60 cm from your eyes and position it 10 – 15 cm below eye level. This reduces eye strain and slows tear evaporation.

5. Use warm compresses

Apply a warm compress to your eyes 2 – 3 times a day to relax eye muscles, improve blood circulation, and stimulate the meibomian glands (oil-secreting glands).

Relax your eyes with a warm compress after a long day. Source: Internet

6. Increase omega-3 intake

Omega-3 fatty acids enhance the function of the eye’s oil glands, reducing dry eye symptoms. Omega-3-rich foods include:

Salmon, mackerel
Flaxseeds, chia seeds
Walnuts, fish oil

7. Incorporate vitamins A, B12, and D into your diet

These vitamins are essential for eye health. Add the following to your meals:

Vitamin A: Green leafy vegetables, carrots
Vitamin D: Mushrooms, salmon
Vitamin B12: Dairy products, fish

8. Blink frequently

Using electronic devices can reduce your blink rate, causing your eyes to dry out. Practice frequent blinking exercises to maintain natural eye moisture.

9. Avoid tobacco smoke

Cigarette smoke contains thousands of harmful chemicals that irritate the eyes and alter tear composition. Reducing exposure to smoke helps protect your eyes.

10. Stay hydrated

Drink 1.5 – 2 litres of water daily to maintain natural body moisture, including the eyes.

11. Get sufficient sleep

Lack of sleep not only dries out your eyes but also affects their ability to repair themselves. Adults should aim for 7 – 8 hours of sleep per night to give their eyes adequate rest.

12. Limit alcohol intake

Alcohol causes dehydration, increasing the risk of dry eye. Reducing alcohol consumption is a simple way to improve this condition.

A nutritious diet and adequate sleep are two effective ways to restore your eyes. Source: Internet

13. Wear protective eyewear

Sunglasses or dust-proof glasses reduce exposure to sunlight, dust, and wind, making them essential for outdoor activities.

14. Minimise dust exposure

Keep windows closed on windy days and use air purifiers to eliminate dust and allergens in your environment.

15. Use a humidifier

Air conditioning and dry air can dehydrate your eyes. A humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture levels, reducing the risk of dry eye.

Dry eye is a common condition that can be effectively prevented and managed with simple home remedies. Proper eye care not only alleviates discomfort but also protects your eyes from long-term risks.

At Hoan My Gold Ky Dong Medical Centre, we are proud to be the only facility in the Hoan My Medical Corporation network offering comprehensive eye care services. With highly skilled ophthalmologists, advanced equipment, and patient-centred care, we provide holistic solutions for dry eye, corneal inflammation, and other ophthalmic conditions.

Entrust your eyes to a reputable institution. Contact us today via our hotline at 0919 209 039 or register online here.

References:

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HOAN MY GOLD KY DONG MEDICAL CENTRE
Hotline: 0919 209 039
Address: 27 Ky Dong, Ward 9, District 3, HCMC
Working Hours: Monday – Saturday | 7:30 – 17:00
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