Top 7 Tips To Treat And Prevent Dry Eyes

If you have dry eyes, you will often feel like you have an eyelash stuck in your eye. Your eyes may burn, redden, and itch. Sometimes, your vision will blur. Dry eyes become more noticeable as you age because your tear glands naturally stop producing as much fluid. In fact, the average person produces 60 percent fewer tears at age 60 than at age 18. The condition, however, is most common in postmenopausal women and may be related to hormonal changes. Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also cause dry eyes by inflaming those same glands. Here are a few suggestions that can help you to minimize its effects.

1. Take Reading Breaks
   
   When you read or work at a computer, you often forget to blink, which keeps the fluid that you do have from getting spread out over your eyes. You can’t consciously remember to blink. You will drive yourself nuts. But you can take a break every 10 minutes or so. That way, you will naturally resort to your normal blink rate.
   
   
2. Drink More Water
   
   Guzzling down glass after glass of water won’t solve your problems entirely. But it can air you in your quest to keep your eyes moist. Aim for eight 8-ounce glasses each day.
   
   
3. Avoid Irritants
   
   Pollen, pollution, smoke, and other airborne particles won’t necessarily dry out your eyes. But they can make already dry eyes feel uncomfortable and red. So sit in the nonsmoking section at restaurants, run a filtered air-conditioner during the summer, and wear the kind of sunglasses that wrap around your eyes in windy, dusty areas. Sunglasses will also keep the bright light from the sun from irritating your sensitive eyes.
   
   
4. Try Tears
   
   Sold over-the-counter, artificial tears can provide the lubricant you need. You have your choice of dozens of products. All have their merits. But not all may be right for you. So choose those that are most comfortable to you.
   
   
5. Keep Your Natural Tears
   
   Dry winter heat, a hair dryer in your face, or your car’s air-conditioning vent all can suck the moisture from your eyes. So keep that blast of air pointed in a different direction. And use a humidifier during winter months. Such methods will keep you from robbing your eyes of their own moisture.
   
   
6. Stay Away From Anti-redness Drops
   
   Stay away from eyedrops that are designed to ease red, bloodspot eyes. They may make your eyes look better, but the ingredients in these drops can actually dry you out more than they help.
   
   
7. Apply Heat
   
   Heat will stimulate your glands to produce more oil, which will keep your tears from evaporating as quickly. Fill a washbasin with hot tap water and immerse a washcloth. Apply the washcloth to your eyes for about 10 minutes twice a day.

Raymond Lee is one of the foremost experts in the health and fitness industry and is the Founder of Bodyfixes Group specializing in body health, muscle development and dieting. He is currently the author of the latest edition of "Neck Exercises and Workouts." Visit http://www.bodyfixes.com for more information.