Dry eyes can cause a lot of discomforts. In most cases, it can easily be treated, but the key is to keep the eyes hydrated and prevent dryness. Dryness sometimes leads to itchiness and irritation, making it difficult to concentrate on regular work. Here are the risk factors of dryness in the eyes and ways to prevent it.

Risk factors of dry eyes

1. Medications
Some types of medicines can dry your eyes. Sleeping pills and medicines used to manage Parkinson’s disease have this effect on some people. Allergy medications or antihistamines can also cause dry eyes.

2. Hormonal factors
Hormones are often attributed to changes in the tear secretion levels in the body, especially in women. Hormonal changes could be due to menopause or pregnancy. For the very same reasons, people who take hormone replacement therapy are also at a higher risk of experiencing dry eyes.

3. Lifestyle factors
Staring at screens like mobiles, tablets, and TVs for a long time could be one of the main causes of dry eyes . People who work at a computer all day long are known to experience dryness and redness often. This could also be because you are blinking too little while looking at these screens. Another problem could be because continuous use of contact lenses. Finally, it could also be due to a sudden drop in the humidity levels in the air.

Ways to prevent eye dryness

1. Ensure that you include food items containing omega-3 fatty acids
Foods with omega-3 fatty acids help in preventing inflammation and dryness in the eyes.

2. Take frequent breaks from screens
Make sure that you reduce your screen time as much as possible. Blink often and take regular breaks from the computer. Step away from the screen and take a walk outside if possible. The moisture in the air is good for your eyes.

3. Use eye drops if required
People who use contact lenses every day might benefit from using hydrating eye drops. Talk to your doctor if you find your eyes to be dry and itchy often. Also, make sure that you do not wear your contact lenses for extended periods of time. Wear spectacles and let your eyes breathe once in a while.

Dry eyes might not always be a serious problem, but it can get quite uncomfortable if left untreated. Check with your doctor to understand whether home remedies would be sufficient or if you would have to use eye drops to lubricate your eyes.