Many patients suffer from dry irritated eyes on a regular basis, but it’s made even worse during the local wildfires. You can find relief by following a few simple steps:
- Cover your eyes with protective goggles or eyewear if air quality is poor due to ash and smoke.
- Use frequent re-wetting drops or artificial tears. The best are preservative free or single use drops.
- Apply warm compresses to stimulate oil glands to help maintain the eye’s natural tear film.
- Drink more water. Mild dehydration often makes dry eye problems worse. This is especially true during hot, dry and windy weather.
- Fans and air conditioning contribute to dry eyes and one may consider a humidifier in the bedroom at night, especially with the dry Santa Ana’s.
The Bruder Microwave Activated Compresses are available at Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute Institute and help open up the meibomian glands so they can better secret oils that are important for maintaining a proper balance of the tear film and help prevent evaporation. Microwaving the eye mask for 20-30 seconds, delivers moist heat when applied to closed eyes and begins releasing oil to the tear film.
If problems persist you may want to schedule an appointment for further evaluation. Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute Institute, under the direction of Dr. Alison Gordon, MD specializes in dry eye evaluation and treatments. If you suffer from dry eyes, testing can help to properly diagnose the problem so that treatment can restore the tear film and eliminate or reduce complications. Factors such as redundant conjunctiva and infection/inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis) can contribute to dry eye.