Dry eyes become increasingly common as people age. It happens because you’re not producing enough tears to keep your eyes lubricated, or your tears don’t have enough water in them. It leads to gritty or burning sensations and may lead to temporary vision impairment. Most of all, it’s a big-time source of discomfort and hassle.
Sometimes, dry eyes might be the result of an underlying medical condition like eye disease, type-2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid troubles. Certain medications like antihistamines, decongestants, antidepressants, or blood pressure medications can be contributors.
So really, there are a lot of potential causes for dry eyes. And because, at least in this case, you’ll want to get rid of the pain and restore vision, the symptoms are a top priority (especially if you’re treating any more significant health issues that could be the culprit). There are several ways to do this, and a few of them are rather straightforward.
If you don’t have an over-the-counter eye drop on hand, try implementing a couple of lifestyle modifications.
Drinking more water can help reduce the likelihood of dry eyes. Staying adequately hydrated each day can help ensure you’ve got enough water in your body can help ensure tears and natural lubricants do their job optimally. Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day, on average, and adjust for climate, temperature, activity, and sweating.
Eating more omega-3s may also help combat dry eyes. Omega-3s may help dry eyes by blocking pro-inflammatory pathways that would otherwise lead to dry eyes. EPA and DHA—both omega-3s, seem to have the most benefit when working with gamma linoleic acid (an omega-6 fatty acid) to promote anti-inflammatory effects. Eating more fatty fish, as well as potentially including a daily omega-3 supplement, might reduce the risk of dry eyes.
Reducing the risk of dry eyes—and the effect on your life—may be as simple as drinking a little more water and adding some omega-3. Give it a try and see if it works for you.