Healthy Eyes, Healthy You

Many people struggle with dry eyes on a regular basis, which can make it difficult to do things like wear contact lenses or minimize eye strain. If you have a problem with dry eyes and don't know what the best thing to do for them is, then take a look at this simple guide to find out.

The Problem With Over-the-Counter Eye Drops

Nearly every store that has an eye health aisle will sell eye drops that are intended to help people with their dry eyes. And the reality is that yes, you can experience minor and limited-time relief by using one of these products. But these products don't tackle the underlying problem that's causing your dry eyes.

Most people's eyes produce enough fluid to keep them hydrated and moist throughout the day, preventing irritation. If yours don't, that means that something is abnormal about your eyes, and you should consider seeing an eye doctor for an examination as a result.

See an Eye Doctor

When you visit your eye doctor, they'll examine your eyes carefully to ensure that they're healthy inside and out. If everything looks okay aside from your eyes not producing enough moisture, they'll talk to you about potential solutions to solve your problems.

Solutions

The solution you receive will depend upon your eyes' health and what your needs are. For example, if you're already wearing contact lenses, it's possible that the type of lens is wrong for you. Many different varieties — including those that maintain their hydration better than standard lenses — now exist that may suit your eyes more. Your eye doctor will recommend trying another variety before doing anything else to alter the state of your eyes.

If you don't wear contacts, or if changing contacts isn't enough, then prescription eye drops may be recommended. These eye drops won't just temporarily hydrate your eyes like the kind that you can buy in stores. Instead, they'll tell your eyes to produce more of their own natural moisture, which will help to keep your eyes hydrated throughout the day instead of you having to repeatedly use saline drops.

Lastly, your eye doctor may actually recommend drinking more water. Poor hydration can lead to eye dryness, among other things, so if you don't drink enough water, that's a good place to start.

Eye dryness doesn't have to be something that you live with. Set up an appointment with an eye doctor at a location like Battery Park Vision Associates and get to the bottom of the problem.