How Lifestyle Changes Can Improve Dry Eye Symptoms

If you’ve been dealing with dry, irritated eyes, you’re not alone—dry eye syndrome is a common complaint among Red Bank residents. With the combination of coastal breezes, seasonal allergies, and long hours spent in front of screens, many people in our community experience discomfort daily. While dry eye can be frustrating, the good news is that small lifestyle changes can go a long way in providing relief.

 

Why Is Dry Eye So Common?

Several factors contribute to the prevalence of dry eye in our area. Red Bank’s proximity to the coast means exposure to wind and salt air, both of which can accelerate tear evaporation. Seasonal allergies, which tend to hit hard in the spring and fall, can also trigger inflammation that worsens dry eye symptoms.

Another major factor? Screen time. Whether you're working remotely from home, commuting into the city, or unwinding with your favorite show at night, prolonged screen use reduces blink rates—one of the main causes of dry eye discomfort. Add in air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter, and it’s easy to see why so many people struggle with dry, irritated eyes year-round.
 

Lifestyle Changes That Can Help

The good news is that small adjustments to your daily routine can go a long way in improving dry eye symptoms. Here are some practical steps to consider:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Spending hours in front of a screen? Try the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit encourages blinking and helps refresh your eyes.

2. Stay Hydrated

It may sound basic, but dehydration plays a big role in dry eye symptoms. Red Bank’s humid summers can make you sweat more, while cold winters lead many people to drink less water. Make a conscious effort to stay hydrated year-round.

3. Use a Humidifier at Home

Heating and air conditioning strip moisture from the air, drying out your eyes in the process. A humidifier can help maintain a comfortable moisture level indoors, especially during the colder months.

4. Upgrade Your Diet

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are known to support healthy tear production. Eating a diet rich in these nutrients can help reduce inflammation and improve the quality of your tears.

5. Wear Sunglasses Outdoors

Whether you’re strolling through Riverside Gardens Park or heading out for a boat ride, sunglasses with UV protection shield your eyes from wind, sun, and allergens that can worsen dry eye symptoms.

6. Limit Contact Lens Wear

If you wear contact lenses, consider giving your eyes a break by switching to glasses in the evening or opting for daily disposable lenses designed for dry eyes.

 

If lifestyle changes aren’t providing enough relief, it may be time to schedule an eye exam. Chronic dry eye can sometimes be linked to meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)—a condition where the oil-producing glands along the eyelids become clogged, leading to poor tear quality and faster tear evaporation. At Bright Eyes Optometry, we offer personalized treatments for dry eye, including:
 

• Meibomian gland expression to clear blocked glands

•  Prescription eye drops for severe cases

• Lid hygiene therapies to reduce inflammation

Find Lasting Relief at Bright Eyes Optometry

Living in Red Bank means enjoying the best of coastal life, but it can also come with challenges like dry, irritated eyes. If you’ve tried making lifestyle changes but are still struggling with discomfort, it’s time to take the next step. At Bright Eyes Optometry, we offer personalized dry eye solutions tailored to your needs, from at-home strategies to in-office treatments.

Don’t let dry eye symptoms get in the way of your daily life. Schedule a consultation with Bright Eyes Optometry to find the relief you deserve and keep your eyes feeling their best. Contact our office in Red Bank, New Jersey, by calling (732) 605-0300 to book an appointment today.