As much as one doesn’t like crying or seeing someone else they care about crying, tears are absolutely integral for the proper functioning of the eye. They are what keeps the surface of the eye hydrated, comfortable, and smooth, washing away debris and dust and protecting it from infection. When the eyes are healthy, they produce the required amount of tears for staying moist, but when the tear glands are unable to do so, it results in dry eyes.

The condition occurs when the tiny tear glands located in and around the eyelids do not produce enough tears due to aging, diabetes, lupus, or other health conditions. If the eyes feel gritty like they have sand stuck in them, appear red, and sting and burn, then one may have dry eyes. Listed below are the lifestyle changes one can make to take care of themselves to ease the problems of the irritating, scratchy symptoms of dry eyes:

1. Washing crusty lashes regularly

When one wakes up in the morning, there are chances of the lashes being crusty. Cleaning the eyelids, as well as the surrounding hair and skin, can help get the crusty lashes clean and any lid inflammation under control. A tip is to regularly rub a bit of mild soap on the fingertips and gently massage the closed eyes.

2. Blinking more

If one has a job where they sit in front of the computer for hours, then there are chances that staring at the screen curbs the number of times one blinks every minute. So, one needs to try and blink often when they are online. One needs to follow the 20/20 rule—closing the eyes every 20 minutes for 20 seconds. Another trick to keep the eyes healthy when sitting at the computer is to set the screen below the eye level. Also, one should not open their eyes very wide, which could help in slowing tear evaporation between blinks.

3. Eating a healthy diet

Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids will help dry eyes as these healthy fats help the oil-making glands in the eye work better and ease the irritation. Other foods naturally high in omega-3 fats that can be used as treatments for dry eyes include flaxseed, vegetable oils like soybean and canola oil, and walnuts. Also, one can take omega-3 fatty acids as supplements in the form of tablets or pills. One needs to talk to their doctors before they begin any new supplement to see whether it affects any of the other foods or medications that they are taking.

4. Staying hydrated

Every part of the human body requires water to stay healthy, and that includes the eyes. Drinking water regularly, and not just when one is thirsty helps keep the eyes moist. Aiming at drinking 8–10 glasses every day throughout the day is important. For those who think they cannot keep drinking just water throughout the day, then drinking any other liquid which doesn’t have caffeine or alcohol will do. One should try and include water-rich foods such as watermelon and cucumbers in their diet as natural treatments for dry eyes.

5. Wearing wraparound sunglasses

These help protect the eyes from drying winds, which result in tears evaporating quicker. One also needs to avoid blowing air from fans, air-conditioners and hair dryers directly into their eyes at home.

6. Using air filters and humidifiers

These add moisture to the dry indoor air, keeping the atmosphere hydrated and good for the eyes.