How your daily habits might be secretly drying out your eyes

Dry eyes are one of the most common ailment modern generation faces, mostly neglected as a minor inconvenience. If it persists causes extreme levels of discomfort, mild pain and even sometimes blurred vision. Surprisingly, many of our everyday habits are responsible for dry eye.

Overuse of the screen
The biggest culprit for dry eye disease today is excessive screen use. Computer , laptops, and smartphones reduces blink rate to less than 60%. Normally, blinking spreads tears over the surface of the eye. So reduced blinking causes dryness of the eye and irritation, predisposing it to increased risk of infections.
To overcome this, follow the 20-20-20 rule—every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds—to reduce eye strain and promote natural blinking.

Improper use of contact lenses
Wearing contact lenses for a long time and not maintaining the proper contact lens hygiene may also lead to dry eye by disrupting the natural tear fild of the eye. Some lenses even cause worsening of dry eye by absorbing moisture from eye.
To reduce this, take breaks from contact lenses wherever possible and always follow lens care guidelines.

Dehydration and diet
Not drinking enough water can lead to overall dehydration, reducing tear production. A diet low in omega-3 fatty acids also impairs the eye’s oil layer, which prevents tear evaporation.
To avoid this, drink plenty of water and eat omega-3-rich foods like fish, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Air conditioning and heating
Air conditioning in summer and heating in winter both causing tears to evaporate more quickly.
Avoid direct airflow towards a humidifier indoors and avoid direct air flow from vents.

Makeup and skincare products
Eye makeup, like eyeliner and mascara, can block the oil glands near your lashes. Skincare products with alcohol or retinoids can irritate the eye area and affect tear film stability.
For safe eyes choose gentle, ophthalmologist-tested products and remove makeup completely each night.

Eye rubbing
As eye is an extremely sensitive organ rubbing can disrupt tear production. It may also push debris into the eye, triggering inflammation and dryness.
To avoid this use cold compresses or wash your face and eyes with tap water when feel irritated.

Not wearing sunglasses outdoors
UV exposure and wind can both accelerate tear evaporation. Heat in summer can lead to more dryness.
So in summer and while riding two-wheelers, wear wraparound sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun, wind, and dust.

Dr Akhilesh Yadav, Cataract, Cornea and Refractive Surgeon, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Dombivli