How Can Lifestyle Choices Contribute to Dry Eye?

Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions, affecting millions of people every year. While medical factors such as aging or certain medications can increase your risk, lifestyle choices also play a major role. Understanding how your daily habits impact your eye health can help you take steps toward lasting relief.

 

Excessive Screen Time

Spending long hours on computers, phones, or tablets can significantly reduce your blink rate. When you blink less often, your eyes don’t receive the moisture they need to stay hydrated, leading to dryness, irritation, and fatigue. To combat this, try following the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

 

Dehydration and Poor Nutrition

Your body needs adequate hydration to produce healthy tears. If you’re not drinking enough water or consuming a balanced diet, it can affect the tear film that keeps your eyes comfortable. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon or in flaxseed oil, can help maintain tear quality and reduce inflammation.

 

Environmental Factors

Living or working in environments with low humidity, air conditioning, or fans can cause tears to evaporate too quickly. Smoky or windy environments can also worsen symptoms. Using a humidifier indoors and wearing protective eyewear outdoors can help minimize these effects.

 

Contact Lens Overuse

Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can disrupt the eye’s natural moisture balance. If you experience persistent dryness while wearing lenses, consult your eye doctor in Philadelphia to explore alternative lens materials or switching to glasses temporarily.

 

Lack of Proper Sleep

Sleep is essential for eye health. Insufficient rest can reduce tear production and cause the eyes to feel gritty and irritated during the day. Establishing consistent sleep routines and limiting screen use before bed can help your eyes recover overnight.

 

When to See a Professional Dry Eye Care

If your eyes consistently feel dry, scratchy, or irritated, it may be time to seek dry eye treatment in Philadelphia. At Optima Vision Center, our experienced team will perform a thorough dry eye diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms - whether it’s Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD), environmental factors, or another condition. Based on your results, we’ll recommend a personalized treatment plan ranging from artificial tears and prescription drops to advanced therapies that restore healthy tear function and improve comfort.

 

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation in Philadelphia

Your lifestyle habits can have a major impact on eye comfort and health. By making small changes, you can help reduce your risk of developing chronic dry eye. However, if your symptoms persist, professional care is key to long-term relief.

Don’t let discomfort affect your daily life. Schedule a consultation with Optima Vision Center to discuss effective dry eye treatment options. Visit our office in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, or call (215) 548-5949 to book an appointment today.