There’s no denying it. Summer is officially here. And in our neck of the woods, summer means hot, dry, and windy days. It’s no wonder so many folks we come into contact with say that they are suffering from dry eyes! In fact, the American Optometric Association (AOA) says that 38% of adults experience dry eyes for one reason or another.
In a recent infographic, the AOA outlines several causes and remedies for dry eyes, and the solutions are much simpler than you might expect. But before we get to the remedies, it is important to know the most common causes of the annoying redness, burning, and irritation that comes with dry eyes. Some are much easier to avoid:
- Your Birthday: Unfortunately, age is a major cause. Men and women 65 and older have an increased risk of dry eyes that can eventually damage the eye if left untreated.
- Your Gender: Ladies, we love you. But if you are pregnant or experience menopause, you may have to add dry, scratchy eyes to the list of maladies with which you have to cope. Research shows that expecting mothers and women that have gone through menopause are at a much higher risk of dry eyes.
- Your Medical Conditions: You are much more likely to have to deal with irritated eyes if you take decongestants, antidepressants, have been diagnosed with diabetes, or have thyroid issues.
- Your Geography: No, we are not talking about class work. Folks living in dryer, windier climates, obviously, have to deal with dry, itchy eyes more than people in calmer, more humid climates.
- Your Devices: The workplace is becoming increasingly more “digitized”. But if you aren’t building in regular breaks from your screen, you are punishing your pupils. To avoid dry eyes, give your eyes a break every once in a while.
While it seems almost impossible to avoid having to deal with dry eyes for one reason or another, there are some simple ways to alleviate symptoms. Simply put, wear sunglasses to reduce exposure to wind, take nutritional supplements (ask your doctor), and stay hydrated. Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day will not only be good for your eyes, it will increase your stamina, creativity, and capacity to process new information.
Lastly, have yourself a good cry! It’s not only good for your eyes, It’s good for your whole system. If you need some suggestions on how to get the waterworks flowing, check this out. Glad we could help!
