subject: Lifestyle Changes And Improving Dry Eyes [print this page] When treating dry eye symptoms, there are many lifestyle changes that can help make the most of any treatment option. While the causes of dry, sore eyes may be seasonal (only at certain times of the year) or be present year round, those afflicted can gain a greater sense of control by making choices which help to relieve the burning and itching caused by dryness.
It is important to realise that lifestyle changes won't usually be completely effective in controlling symptoms and other treatments may be necessary, but making the right choices can enhance the results of treatment, giving maximum benefits.
To get complete relief from dry eyes caused by allergens, people may need the aid of allergy eye drops. They often offer quick results, eliminating the symptoms. Once symptoms of are relieved, it is possible to start looking at lifestyle changes to be used in conjunction with the eye drops.
Nearly every town has a newspaper or other source of information about pollen counts. For those who immediately start sneezing and have burning, dry or watery eyes when going outside during seasons with high pollen counts, it can be helpful to limit time outside if at all possible.
If it is necessary to be outdoors, make sure to carry along allergy eye drops and consider having spare containers in places that are visited often. This could include any parks or even your holiday home. If it is likely that allergens such as pollen could fall on clothing or hair, try to limit touching the eyes. It also helps to take frequent baths and to be vigilant about shampooing hair more often, even if this means buying shampoos which keep hair in prime condition during allergy season. All of these steps can maximise relief.
Sunglasses are another important aid. Sometimes bright lights and looking at computer screens can aggravate dry eyes. Sunglasses may be a necessity when driving or sunning on the beach. During allergy season, consider the 'crossover' effect of being around smokers or using chemicals to spray for bugs or treat lawns. It might be wise to delegate that job to someone else in order to maximise effective treatment of dry eyes.
Moving to a new home? It may be worth it to call in a moving company or people who specialise in dusting off items and packing them carefully in boxes. This has a double benefit of reducing exposure to dust which is notorious for drying out eyes and causing allergic reactions and also allowing items to arrive at the new home ready to be put on display, completely dust-free. It is well worth the cost of delegating any jobs which reduce being exposed to allergens or conditions which cause eye reactions.
Sometimes replacing old carpet and buying new mattresses can get rid of dust mites and pet dander which has built up over the years. When doing annual or quarterly cleaning, consider all the possible causes of dry eyes, anything that can aggravate the eyes and cause redness and pain. Let someone else tackle the lawn chores, including mowing and if paint fumes are a problem, hire a painter to handle that job as well. Even with a painter on the job, it may be necessary to move out of the house for a few days, just until the paint dries. Another option? Check out odourless paints.
Finally, complete relief from dry eyes may only come with the aid of eye drops. Not only can they get symptoms under quick control but they can truly enhance lifestyle changes. Using both at once, eye drops and changes in one's routine, can result in the strongest benefits.
