[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/the-best-and-worst-things-you-can-do-for-dry-eyes\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/the-best-and-worst-things-you-can-do-for-dry-eyes\/","headline":"The best and worst things you can do for dry eyes","name":"The best and worst things you can do for dry eyes","description":"Dry eyes? Here\u2019s what helps and what might be making them worse. Follow these tips for lasting relief and healthier eyes.","datePublished":"2025-10-03","dateModified":"2025-09-29","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/#Person","name":"My Eye Clinic","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/author\/myeyeclinic\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8387103c2072d667018bc0a76890e72a3a28b15f0cb4d824dadcb29a5e8e13d3?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"My Eye Clinic Gosforth","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Retina-Sticky-Header-Logo-v2-166x120-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","width":167,"height":122}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-best-and-worst-things-you-can-do-for-dry-eyes-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/The-best-and-worst-things-you-can-do-for-dry-eyes-Rob-Boyce-My-Eye-Clinic-Newcastle.jpg","height":600,"width":900},"url":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/the-best-and-worst-things-you-can-do-for-dry-eyes\/","about":["Dry Eye & Blepharitis"],"wordCount":395,"articleBody":"The best and worst things you can do for dry eyesIf you have dry eyes, you know how uncomfortable they can be- burning, stinging, watery, or just plain tired. The good news is there\u2019s a lot you can do to help. The bad news? Some everyday habits might actually make your dry eye worse.Here\u2019s a guide to the best and worst things you can do for your eye comfort.The best things you can do Use lubricating eye dropsArtificial 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. Apply warm compressesA warm compress helps unclog the oil glands in your eyelids, improving tear quality. Keep eyelids cleanUse a gentle eyelid wipe or foam cleanser daily. This reduces bacteria and inflammation around your lashes. Stay hydratedDrink plenty of water - dehydration can make dryness worse. Adjust your environmentUse a humidifier if your home is dryAvoid sitting directly under air ventsWear wraparound sunglasses outdoors. Blink oftenEspecially during screen use. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Eat omega-3 rich foodsSalmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts may improve tear quality.The worst things you can do Rubbing your eyesThis can irritate the surface, spread bacteria, and make inflammation worse. Overusing redness-relief dropsSome drops designed to \u201cget the red out\u201d can actually make redness worse if used too often. Ignoring symptomsDry eye can damage your cornea over time. Don\u2019t just put up with discomfort \u2014 get checked. Sleeping in contact lensesThis increases your risk of infection and worsens dryness. SmokingSmoke irritates the eyes and can reduce tear production. Overexposing to screensHours of screen time without breaks can dramatically reduce blinking and worsen dryness.When to see a professionalIf you\u2019ve tried home remedies but still struggle, it\u2019s time to book an eye exam. Treatments like prescription drops, punctal plugs, or in-office therapies can provide lasting relief.The bottom lineSmall 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 stepsTake our suitability self-test to find out if you might benefit from a professional dry eye treatment plan."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"The best and worst things you can do for dry eyes","item":"https:\/\/www.myeyeclinicgosforth.com\/the-best-and-worst-things-you-can-do-for-dry-eyes\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]