How Can Lifestyle Choices Contribute to Dry Eye?

Dry eye is one of the most common eye conditions today - and surprisingly, many of its triggers stem from everyday habits. At Volusia Eye Associates, we see countless patients who experience burning, irritation, or fluctuating vision due to choices they didn’t realize were impacting their tear film. Understanding how lifestyle factors influence your eyes can help you take steps to prevent or relieve discomfort before it worsens.

 

Screen Time and Reduced Blinking

In today’s digital world, hours spent on computers, smartphones, and tablets can take a toll on your eyes. When you focus on screens, your blink rate can drop by nearly half. Each blink spreads tears evenly across your eyes -so fewer blinks mean faster tear evaporation and irritation.

Follow the 20-20-20 rule; every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Also, remember to blink fully and often. Artificial tears can also help keep your eyes lubricated throughout the day.

 

Diet and Hydration

A balanced diet plays a major role in maintaining healthy tear production. Diets low in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants can lead to a poor-quality tear film, while dehydration from insufficient water intake can make symptoms worse.

Incorporate foods rich in omega-3s, like salmon, flaxseed, and walnuts, and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake can also help, as both can dehydrate your body and eyes.

 

Environmental Factors

Exposure to dry, windy, or smoky environments can accelerate tear evaporation. Air conditioning and heating systems - especially in Florida’s changing climate - can further dry out the eyes.

Use a humidifier indoors to add moisture to the air. If you’re outdoors on a windy day, wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from irritants and wind exposure.

 

Contact Lens Use

Wearing contact lenses for extended periods can also contribute to dryness. Lenses can disrupt the tear film and reduce oxygen flow to the eyes, making symptoms worse if not managed properly.

Follow your optometrist’s instructions for wear time and lens care. Switching to daily disposables or specialty contact lenses designed for dry eye may also help.

 

When to See Your Optometrist

If your eyes feel persistently dry, gritty, or irritated, it’s important to schedule a visit with your optometrist at Volusia Eye Associates. Chronic dry eye can have multiple causes, from meibomian gland dysfunction to systemic conditions or medication side effects. Our eye care team can perform a comprehensive dry eye evaluation to pinpoint the underlying cause of your symptoms. Based on your diagnosis, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan - which may include advanced therapies, prescription eye drops, or lifestyle modifications - to help you find lasting relief.

Schedule Your Dry Eye Evaluation Today

Lifestyle choices can significantly influence your eye comfort and overall eye health. From your diet and hydration to your screen habits and environment, small adjustments can make a big difference in managing or preventing dry eye.

Don’t let dry eye affect your daily comfort or vision. Contact Volusia Eye Associates to schedule your dry eye evaluation and start your journey toward clearer, more comfortable vision. Visit our office in New Smyrna Beach or Edgewater, Florida. Call (386) 427-4143 or (386) 230-0300 to book an appointment today.