Dry eyes can be very aggravating to deal with. It happens when your eyes stop producing enough tears to keep them lubricated. As a result, they can feel very grainy and itchy. Fortunately, there are several ways that you can get relief. Here are four tips.

1. Use a Humidifier

When the air in your home gets dry, the reduced humidity can also dry out your eyes. Get a humidifier to add some moisture to the air again and to help your eyes feel a lot better. If this doesn't resolve the problem, your eye doctor can help.

2. Use Artificial Tears

You can find artificial tears at your local pharmacy. They can be used to regularly lubricate your eyes and get them feeling comfortable again. However, before you begin using them, check to see if the artificial tears have preservatives. If that's the case, then Cleveland Clinic reports that you should limit usage to between four and six times a day. If they are preservative-free, then you can use them more often.

3. Use Eye Protection

Wear protective glasses when you're spending a lot of time outside, such as sunglasses during the summer months and protective goggles during the winter. This is especially recommended if you frequently go hiking. Eye protection will not only keep your eyes safe from the sun's UV rays but it'll also protect against dry air and low humidity.

Another way you can protect your eyes and reduce dryness is by limiting your screen time. LASIK reports that, when you're looking at your phone or computer screen, you blink less frequently, which can dry out your eyes if you're not careful. To keep your eyes moist, keep the screen below eye level and look away from the screen every 20 minutes or so.

4. Visit an Eye Doctor

If your dry eyes are severe, it's important to talk to your eye doctor. They may recommend LipiFlow treatment to restore your eyes' natural glands. According to Johnson & Johnson, LipiFlow can reduce eye blockages in 12 minutes. Your eye doctor will put what looks like the eye shields that you might wear when you go to a tanning booth over your eyes. These will apply heat to the meibomian glands and create a better lipid flow around your eye.

While dry eyes can be bothersome, there are ways to improve your condition. Don't hesitate to reach out to Chang Eye Group today to schedule an appointment with us to seek professional treatment for your dry eyes.