What Lifestyle Changes Can Help Reduce Dry Eye?

Dry eye is a common condition that occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This imbalance can leave your eyes feeling irritated, scratchy, watery, or fatigued - especially after long days of screen use or exposure to dry air. While professional treatments are often needed for lasting relief, there are also simple lifestyle changes you can make to reduce symptoms and protect your eye health.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Dry Eye Symptoms

• Take screen breaks: The more you focus on digital devices, the less you blink. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day supports healthy tear production.

• Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air helps prevent your tears from evaporating too quickly, especially in dry climates or during winter months.

• Wear protective eyewear: Sunglasses with wraparound frames can shield your eyes from wind, dust, and UV light.

• Adjust your diet: Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed, may support tear quality and reduce inflammation.

• Limit contact lens wear: If you wear contacts, try giving your eyes a break with glasses, or talk to your doctor about specialized lenses that are designed to help with dry eye.

When to See Your Eye Doctor

If your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or interfering with your daily life, it’s important to schedule an eye exam. Chronic dry eye can sometimes be a sign of underlying health conditions such as meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), and untreated cases may cause long-term irritation or damage to the eye’s surface.

Benefits of Professional Dry Eye Care

While lifestyle adjustments can make a big difference, professional treatments provide targeted relief:

• Therapeutic eye drops: Prescription drops can help reduce inflammation, increase tear production, and improve overall eye comfort.

• Punctal plugs: These tiny devices block the tear drainage ducts, allowing your natural tears to stay on the eye longer and relieve dryness.

At Brinton Family Eye Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to determine the cause of your dry eye and customize treatment to help restore comfort and protect your vision.

Take the Next Step Toward Comfortable Vision

Dry eye may be common, but it doesn’t have to interfere with your quality of life. With small changes to your daily habits and the support of professional care, you can keep your eyes more comfortable and reduce irritation over time.

Contact Brinton Family Eye Care to schedule your consultation and find relief from dry eye. Visit our office in Indian Land, South Carolina, or call (803) 284-8400 to book an appointment today.