Dry Eye Woes
Welcome to winter in Chicago! We’ve had the heat on in our house for a few months now and I can feel it… in my eyes! Winter is one of the worst times for dry eye sufferers.
What causes dry eyes?
When your tears are unable to provide adequate lubrication for your eyes, dry eye syndrome is the result. Some people can produce low quality tears, or even not enough tears! According to Mayo Clinic, dry eye can be caused by many factors, including hormonal changes, autoimmune disease, inflamed glands, or allergies. When something disrupts the healthy tear film, the results can be maddening.
Personally, I have battled Dry Eye Syndrome since my early twenties. I have tried every remedy in the books and I want to let you in on my personal favorites. We don’t have to suffer all winter!
First, I go back to square one. In general, I try to use natural remedies whenever possible, so my first step to fight dry eye is good old fashioned hydration. I fill up a water bottle and make my goal to drink 60 or more ounces each day.
Second, I use a humidifier by my bed at night. It definitely helps my overall dryness and I’m one of those people who doesn’t close my eyes all the way at night (creepy!) so this is key. When my dry eye was at its worst I also loved the Refresh Gel, it is like a thick protective coat for your eyes while you sleep.
Lastly, after trying many other options, my ace in the hole in managing my dry eye has been supplements like EZ Tears or Xeaxanthin + Lutein. I love these supplements because they don’t have a fishy aftertaste, and because I notice results quickly (I also notice when I skip a few days!). These are for sale in our Andersonville office.
The Visionary team of doctors are incredible at diagnosing and treating Dry Eye Syndrome. In addition to Tear Care and supplements, we introduced Envision by InMode, which is changing the face of dry eye as we know it. Don’t forget to ask about it at your next visit!
-Beth, former Aville Optician
