Do You Make Your Dry Eye Syndrome Worse?

If your eyes don’t make enough tears to stay wet, or if your tears don’t hang around long enough to keep your eyes moist, you’re not alone with this bothersome condition. Millions of people suffer from dry eye syndrome (DES), which occurs when your tears don’t lubricate your eyes as well as they should. It’s annoying and uncomfortable. 

The office of Monrovia Optometry focuses on maintaining optimal eye health and quality of vision. Using comprehensive eye exams and patient education, our patients and customers receive the utmost care in a welcoming environment. Also, we offer a large variety of stylish eyeglass frames.

Your tears are crucial to the proper functioning of your eyes by spreading across the front of your eyes with every blink. The tears keep your eye surfaces moist, lower the odds of your peepers getting infected, and sweep away germs, dust and other irritants. Even if you already take measures to soothe your DES, you could also unwittingly be doing things that aggravate it. Check these out!

You use the incorrect eye drops. Stay away from types that promise to, as one well-known advertisement says, “get the red out.” They shrink the blood vessels and make DES worse. Use artificial tears instead. However, there are brands with preservatives that aggravate some folks’ eyes. Ask an optometrist which one is best for you. 

You take an allergy medication that dehydrates your tears and, consequently, hinders your eyes from washing out irritants. Again, ask an optometrist for advice. 

You go without sunglasses outside during the day. Your eyes want protection from the sun and wind, even when it’s cloudy. Wear sunglasses that fit close to your face and have side frames. 

You gaze into your computer screen for extended periods without a break. The solution: Do the 20/20/20. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Be mindful of how often you do—or don’t—blink. You blink less when you’re fixated on something—even while watching TV, reading and driving. 

You’re not careful when applying eye makeup. Mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow not precisely in their proper places can block tear-producing glands.

Experience the difference that Monrovia Optometry makes. Superiority is our signature, and satisfaction is our promise. We look forward to providing you with optometric care you can trust. Please call us today to schedule an appointment.

By Monrovia Optometry

October 30, 2023