Experts agree that there are several things you can do to alleviate the discomfort of dry, scratchy eyes and to prevent serious eye and vision problems. Here are some common-sense suggestions and advice everyone should heed and follow:
1) If your eyes are frequently focused on close work—reading, doing paperwork, sewing, etc.—take a five minute break every hour and re-focus on distant objects. The advice is just the opposite when you’ve been focusing on distant objects. Give your eyes a five minute break on a regular basis and re-focus on close objects.
2) Computer users are subject to the discomfort of dry, scratchy eyes more than non-users. Experts say that’s because staring at the screen of a computer monitor for long periods of time causes your eyes to blink less than is normal. Since blinking allows the tear glands to moisten the eyes, the absence of blinking results in a lack of lubrication which can cause dry, scratchy eyes. One way to prevent the condition is to take a break and blink rapidly to activate the tear glands. You can also get tear substitutes from most eye doctors. If nothing else, you can try bathing your eyes, gently, in clear cold water.
3) Use only one type of eye medication at a time. Mixing eye medicines may cause them to be less effective and result in increased irritation.
4) Astringent drops are effective, but not if they are overused. Don’t use astringent drops every day or your eyes may become red and dry. If used properly, a preparation containing tetrahydrozoline will help reduce any swelling and redness and ease eye discomfort. You can buy astringent drops at most drugstores for about $3.
5) Dry eyes can be treated quite effectively with drops containing methylcellulose or polyvinyl alcohol. Such drops, commonly known as “artificial tears” help lubricate dry eyes. If your eyes are supersensitive, or if you use artificial tears more than four times a day, you should get a product labeled “preservative free”. The preservatives in your regular artificial tears may be irritating your eyes. Artificial tears are available for about $8 at most drugstores.
6) If your eyes are infected or irritated, you shouldn’t use eye makeup. Eye pencils or brushes can transfer an infection and make the condition worse. To be safe, and possibly prevent eye infections, it’s a good idea to replace your supply of eye makeup at least twice a year.
7) If you develop a sty, applying hot compresses 3 or 4 times for ten to fifteen minutes each time can help alleviate the problem. Also, if a sty develops, you should stop using your present eye makeup.
A cool compress can clear up red eyes. Placing a compress over closed eyes constricts small blood vessels in the membrane that covers the eye. The result is that reddened eyes look temporarily whiter.
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