Have you ever rubbed your eyes after a long day at work, only to notice they feel scratchy or irritated? Many people experience dry eyes and don’t realize that daily habits, like long hours on screens, dry air, or wearing contact lenses, can make it worse.
Understanding how your lifestyle affects your eyes can help you stay comfortable and healthy. If over-the-counter remedies aren’t enough, visiting an optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam or finding dry eye treatment near you can help you determine the underlying cause and get lasting relief.
In this blog, we’ll explore how your lifestyle may cause dry eyes, when professional care may be needed, and what treatment options can help.
Screen time and digital devices
Spending hours on your computer, tablet, or phone can take a toll on your eyes. When we’re focused on screens, we blink less, which leaves our eyes feeling dry and tired. Taking small breaks, adjusting screen height, and making sure you have adequate lighting can help.
Environmental factors
Have you noticed your eyes feel drier in air-conditioned offices, heated rooms, or on windy days? These environmental factors can pull moisture from your eyes faster than you think. Wearing sunglasses or protective eyewear outdoors and using a humidifier indoors can help ease dry eye symptoms. For chronic dryness, a visit to the eye doctor may be the next step.
Contact lens wear
We love our contact lenses for convenience, but they can sometimes worsen dryness, especially if worn for long hours or not properly fitted. A contact lens exam can help determine if switching lens types or trying scleral lenses is a better fit for your eyes. The right lenses can do wonders for your comfort and visual clarity.
Lifestyle habits that affect eye health
Even small daily habits can help your eyes feel more comfortable:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Eat a balanced diet: Foods rich in omega-3s support eye health.
- Get enough sleep: Rest allows your eyes to recover and stay comfortable.
- Avoid smoke: Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke can worsen dryness.
When lifestyle changes aren’t enough
Sometimes, small habit changes and home remedies aren’t enough to fully relieve dry eyes. In those cases, our optometrists can recommend professional treatments tailored to your needs, such as IPL with LLLT, amniotic membranes, or medicated eye drops. These options target the root causes of dryness and can help your eyes feel comfortable again, often providing longer-lasting relief than over-the-counter solutions alone.
Keep your eyes comfortable and healthy
Your lifestyle has a bigger impact on your eyes than you might think. Combining healthy habits with regular comprehensive eye exams, expert guidance, and advanced treatments when needed can keep your eyes comfortable and healthy.
At Primary EyeCare Associates in Sidney, Troy, and Fort Loramie, our team is happy to help you understand your options and find the right solution for your eyes. Schedule an appointment today to explore the best ways to protect your vision and comfort.