Dry eyes can cause irritation, burning, redness, and even excessive tearing. Autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren’s syndrome often cause dry eyes because they affect the tear glands. While prescription eye drops can help restore moisture to your eyes, your optometrist in Cincinnati, OH, may also recommend the following lifestyle choices to help relieve ocular dryness.
Avoid Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeinated beverages such as coffee, colas, and tea can cause frequent urination, and because of this, may lead to dehydration. Dehydration not only causes dry skin, but it can also cause dry mucus membranes, including those of your eyes.
To stay hydrated and restore moisture to your eyes, drink plenty of water and avoid the excessive intake of caffeinated beverages. Fruit juices can also be consumed to help restore ocular moisture, however, if you have diabetes, limit your intake because large amounts of sweetened juice can raise your glucose levels.
Reconsider Antihistamines
If you have allergies, talk to your allergist about alternatives to antihistamines. While these medications help manage symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, post nasal drip, and a scratchy throat, they can make your eyes extremely dry.
Antihistamines may also cause eye irritation, burning sensations, and itching. Scratching dry eyes can raise your risk for a corneal abrasion, and if not recognized and treated by your optometrist in Cincinnati, OH, vision problems and further injury may develop.
To make an appointment with an optometrist, call Harper’s Point Eye Associates or stop by the website at visit us website.
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