The best and worst things you can do for dry eyes

If you have dry eyes, you know how uncomfortable they can be- burning, stinging, watery, or just plain tired. The good news is there’s a lot you can do to help. The bad news? Some everyday habits might actually make your dry eye worse.

Here’s a guide to the best and worst things you can do for your eye comfort.

The best things you can do

1. Use lubricating eye drops
   Artificial tears are a simple, effective way to keep your eyes moist. Choose preservative-free drops if you use them more than four times a day.
2. Apply warm compresses
   A warm compress helps unclog the oil glands in your eyelids, improving tear quality.
3. Keep eyelids clean
   Use a gentle eyelid wipe or foam cleanser daily. This reduces bacteria and inflammation around your lashes.
4. Stay hydrated
   Drink plenty of water - dehydration can make dryness worse.
5. Adjust your environment

• Use a humidifier if your home is dry
• Avoid sitting directly under air vents
• Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors.

6. Blink often
   Especially during screen use. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
7. Eat omega-3 rich foods
   Salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts may improve tear quality.

The worst things you can do

1. Rubbing your eyes
   This can irritate the surface, spread bacteria, and make inflammation worse.
2. Overusing redness-relief drops
   Some drops designed to “get the red out” can actually make redness worse if used too often.
3. Ignoring symptoms
   Dry eye can damage your cornea over time. Don’t just put up with discomfort — get checked.
4. Sleeping in contact lenses
   This increases your risk of infection and worsens dryness.
5. Smoking
   Smoke irritates the eyes and can reduce tear production.
6. Overexposing to screens
   Hours of screen time without breaks can dramatically reduce blinking and worsen dryness.

When to see a professional

If you’ve tried home remedies but still struggle, it’s time to book an eye exam. Treatments like prescription drops, punctal plugs, or in-office therapies can provide lasting relief.

The bottom line

Small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference to dry eye symptoms. Focus on habits that support healthy tears and avoid things that make the problem worse.

Next steps

Take our suitability self-test to find out if you might benefit from a professional dry eye treatment plan.