Tips for Dry Eye

While there is no cure for dry eye, these simple tips and tricks can help ease those bothersome symptoms.

Environmental Factors

Changing your environment isn’t always easy, but watching weather patterns can help you manage dry eye symptoms. Also avoid touching your eyes to prevent irritants from transferring to your eyes. Better yet, stay prepared by always carrying SYSTANE® Lubricant Eye Drops.

Airports & Airplanes

Dry air in airports and planes can make your eyes feel dry or irritated. Be sure to pack your go-to dry eye symptom relief.

Bonus: Dehydration can cause dry eye symptoms to worsen, so remember to stay hydrated. If you tend to sleep on flights, wear an eye mask. And the overhead fan? Switch it off so it isn’t blowing in your face.

Woman operating her heating and cooling unit

Indoor Air (Heating & Cooling)

When temps change outside, air inside can make your eyes feel dry. Try running a humidifier and drink more water.

Bonus: If you’re waking up with dry eye symptoms, consider using a nighttime gel. It’s also good to turn your air-conditioner, heater or fan so it is not blowing into your eyes.

Smoking

Quitting smoking and/or avoiding secondhand smoke can help prevent dry eye symptoms.

Diet & Supplements

We all know the importance of eating a healthy diet, but did you know that certain nutrients are a particularly good defense against dry eye symptoms?

Omega-3 Oils

Omega-3 fats can improve function in the eyes’ meibomian glands, which produce the oily part of tears. Improved function of those glands can ease dry eye symptoms, so try incorporating supplements, fresh fish or walnuts into your diet.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the surface of your eye. Eating foods such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach is a good way to help ease dry eye symptoms.

Other Healthy Lifestyle Changes

Blinking Exercises

Failing to blink regularly can contribute to your eyes drying out. Try to blink every five seconds, especially when staring at your computer screen or other digital device.

Take Breaks

Reading or working at a computer can be a problem for people with dry eye. Try looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.

Hydrate

The fluid in your eyes can be depleted if you’re dehydrated, so drink lots of water.

Handwashing

Whether putting in drops or applying makeup, wash, rinse and dry your hands before touching your eyes.

Exercise

Go for a nice walk or run. Exercise is good for you in many ways and can contribute to the health of your eyes too.

Protective Eyewear

Exposure to wind and sun can make tears evaporate faster. When spending time outside, wear protective eyewear such as sunglasses and keep dry eye relief on hand.

Eye Hygiene

Keep your eyelids clean and clear of debris using your go-to eyelid cleansing wipes. If you wear contact lenses, keep them clean and wear them only as prescribed.

Warm Compress

A damp washcloth or other warm compress can soothe dry eye and provide temporary relief.

In-Office Treatment

Talk to your eye doctor about whether you have evaporative dry eye and whether you'd be a good candidate for in-office Systane® iLux® treatment.

Make a Plan for Real Relief

Take the SYSTANE® quiz to get personalized dry eye product recommendations and tips for your eyes. It’s time to find a plan that’s designed for you.

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Important Information for iLux® Device:

The iLux® Device is used to heat and compress glands in the eyelids of adult patients with a specific type of dry eye, called Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), also known as evaporative dry eye.

Potential side effects may include eyelid/eye pain requiring stopping the treatment procedure, eyelid/eye irritation or inflammation, temporary reddening of the skin, and other eye symptoms (burning, stinging, tearing, itching, discharge, redness, feeling like there is something in the eye, changes in your vision, sensitivity to light).

Ask your eye care professional for a complete list of safety information for the iLux® Device.

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