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If you have dry eye disease but your symptoms are not severe, lifestyle changes alone may help to alleviate discomfort. If dry eye disease is more severe and has caused damage, NYU Langone doctors may suggest certain lifestyle changes in addition to another type of treatment, such as medication or a minimally invasive procedure.
Lifestyle changes can be as simple as remembering to take regular breaks from activities鈥攚atching TV, using a phone or computer, reading for long periods鈥攖hat lead you to blink less frequently. It鈥檚 important to allow your eyes time to rest and lubricate, because infrequent blinking can cause the tear film that covers the surface of the eye to evaporate quickly.
Your doctor may advise you to add more omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods such as salmon and walnuts, to your diet, due to their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s can also be taken in supplement form, and your doctor can recommend the right dosage.
Dry eyes are a common complaint among people who wear contact lenses because contacts cause the eye鈥檚 moisture to evaporate quickly. New types of contact lenses can help the eye to retain moisture and prevent dryness. Regardless of the type of contacts you wear, changing them as recommended鈥攚hether daily, weekly, or monthly鈥攃an help to relieve the symptoms of dry eye disease.
Your doctor may recommend the use of specialized contacts to treat dry eye disease.
Lenses that contain an amniotic membrane promote ocular surface healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain associated with dry eye disease.
Scleral lenses are specialized, large-diameter contact lenses that rest on the sclera, the white part of the eye, rather than the cornea. They create a tear-filled reservoir over the eye鈥檚 surface, offering a protective layer that promotes hydration and provides relief from dry eye symptoms while enhancing vision clarity.
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